Development Bank of Wales publishes results for 2025/26

The Development Bank of Wales invested £148 million directly into Welsh businesses during the financial year ending 31 March 2026, supporting 474 businesses and helping to create or safeguard 5,809 jobs.

A further £56.3 million of co-investment was secured alongside the Development Bank’s funding, with the total impact on the Welsh economy during the year reaching £304 million.

The figures are published in the Development Bank of Wales Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2026.

Since the Development Bank was launched in 2017, it has now invested £1.1 billion directly into Welsh businesses and secured £682 million of private sector co-investment.

Over the same period, 5,035 businesses have been supported, helping to create or safeguard 55,490 jobs in the Welsh economy. The jobs supported have generated an estimated £6.3 billion in economic value.

Hon. Group Captain Sally Bridgeland FIA, Chair of the Development Bank of Wales said: “These results reflect the strength of the Development Bank’s long-term role in supporting a resilient and productive Welsh economy. As a Board, we remain focused on ensuring that the Development Bank continues to build partnerships with investors, deliver value for the public purse and widen access to finance for businesses across Wales.”

Giles Thorley, Chief Executive of the Development Bank, added: “The level of investment made this year shows the importance of maintaining and growing the supply of finance for businesses across Wales and the important role that investment can play in helping them start, grow and scale.

“During the year, we invested £148 million directly into Welsh businesses, while working alongside private sector investors to bring additional capital into Wales. Most importantly, that investment is helping businesses to create and safeguard jobs and build long-term value in the Welsh economy.

“Since 2017, we have invested £1.1 billion in more than 5,000 businesses. We remain focused on working with Welsh Government and our partners to ensure businesses across Wales can access the finance they need to invest and grow.”

The cumulative figures cover the period from 1 April 2017 to 31 March 2026 and include loans made through the Covid-19 Wales Business Loan Scheme.

The Development Bank of Wales Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2026 can be viewed here: Development Bank of Wales Annual Report 2025-2026 English.