UK Export Finance (UKEF) is the UK government’s export credit agency and a ministerial department under the Department for Business and Trade. Established in 1919, it supports UK exporters and their supply chains by providing government-backed finance and insurance to help secure overseas contracts and manage commercial and political risks.
UKEF works with banks and insurers to offer products such as guarantees on loans to overseas buyers (buyer credit), insurance against non-payment, working capital and bond support for UK suppliers, and direct lending for eligible projects. Its mandate is to ensure no viable UK export fails for lack of finance or insurance, operating within international frameworks such as the OECD Arrangement on export credits.
UKEF supports transactions across sectors including energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, and chemicals, often backing large, capital-intensive projects with UK content. Its activities include facilitating international project finance and supply chain participation by UK companies, while aligning with UK government policy and sustainability commitments.