London hosts first Global Space Finance Summit

Image courtesy Global Space Finance Summit

Spearheaded by the Minister for Investment Jason Stockwood and the Minister for Industry Chris McDonald, the Summit aimed to highlight the action needed from government, alongside industry, to enable the UK to position itself as a global hub for space finance.

Globally, the space economy is projected to reach $1.8 trillion by 2035[1] and demand for advanced, scaled space capabilities is surging. With 55,550 people employed and £18.6 billion generated in income in 2024[2], the space sector has emerged as a Critical National Infrastructure sector and the UK is primed to take advantage. 

The UK’s modern Industrial Strategy set out a commitment to leverage the country’s world-leading financial services sector to position the UK as the global leader in financial solutions for space companies. The Summit marked an important first step in delivering on that ambition.

Bringing together senior decision-makers with the ability to unlock new solutions and services for the space sector, the Summit sent a strong signal that the UK government is committed to supporting the development of a globally competitive space finance ecosystem.

Minister Stockwood highlighted the government’s efforts, aligned with the Industrial Strategy, to leverage the UK’s existing financial services strengths and to improve understanding across both the space and investment communities of the opportunities available.


 
Above: Minister for Investment Jason Stockwood, Global Space Finance Summit.
Courtesy Global Space Finance Summit

The Summit reaffirmed that financing the space industry will be vital to driving economic growth, strengthening national security, and supporting the UK’s wider industrial priorities.

Key event partners in attendance included Matt Hammerstein, CEO of Barclays, James Binns, Global Vice-Chair, Trade and Working Capital at Barclays, Julia Hoggett, Chief Executive Officer of the London Stock Exchange and Mark Boggett, CEO and General Partner at Seraphim Space.


[1] World Economic Forum/ McKinsey study published in 2024: www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Space_2024.pdf.
[2] Size and Health of the UK Space Industry 2024: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/size-and-health-of-the-uk-space-industry-2024