About the APPG
What is the APPG?
The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Community Development Finance Institutions (CDFIs), known as the CDFIs APPG, brings together parliamentarians who want to improve access to fair and affordable finance across the UK.
Despite their impact, awareness of CDFIs remains relatively low. The APPG works to increase understanding of community finance in Parliament and to ensure that CDFIs are recognised as an important part of the UK’s financial system.
By helping CDFIs reach more people, the APPG aims to contribute to a fairer financial system in which communities throughout the UK can access the finance they need to thrive.
What does the APPG do?
The APPG raises the profile and impact of community development finance, championing policies that expand access to fair and affordable credit for underserved people, businesses and communities. Its work includes:
Raising awareness in Parliament of the role CDFIs play in tackling financial exclusion, supporting small businesses and enabling local growth.
Informing policy development by sharing evidence, case studies, and insights from CDFIs and the communities they serve.
Championing community finance in parliamentary debates and legislation, including discussions about access to credit, financial inclusion, and banking reform.
Encouraging stronger partnerships between banks and CDFIs, including better referral routes for customers who are unable to access mainstream finance.
Connecting parliamentarians with CDFIs, including opportunities to visit community lenders and see their impact first-hand.
Convening events and discussions involving parliamentarians, policymakers, CDFIs, banks, regulators, and other sector partners.
The APPG also provides members with briefings, evidence, constituency-level information and practical support to help them champion community finance through their parliamentary work.