Middle Market Makeover: Data, AI & the Future of SME Finance

In this week’s episode of Evolv, we unpack the “missing middle” of UK SME banking—the segment of medium-sized businesses left underserved between mass-market and bespoke corporate solutions. Joining your host are three trailblazers in the space—Adam Tarpey (Metro Bank), Conrad Ford (Allica Bank), and George Dunning (Bud Financial), who share practical insights on how data, technology and new banking models are closing the gap and driving real change. Key learnings and takeaways: Understanding the gap: Why SMEs with 5–50 employees struggle with one-size-fits-all banking and where the “missing middle” emerges Open banking & real-time data: How instant transaction feeds and cloud accounting integrations speed up credit decisions from months to minutes AI-powered automation: Leveraging generative models to extract insights from unstructured documents (valuations, surveys) and eliminate paper-based workflows Tackling funding delays: The root causes of 90+ day waits for property and asset finance—and how fintechs are streamlining approvals Enhanced risk management: Using continuous monitoring and data-driven underwriting to reduce fraud and default rates API-first, vertical banking: Why specialist platforms are gaining traction and what that means for the future of universal banks Whether you’re an SME owner seeking faster finance, a product builder in fintech or a banking strategist plotting the next wave of innovation, this episode delivers a deep dive into how the “missing middle” is finally being served. Tune in now!