Barclays will trial an AI-driven platform that creates digital twins of SME operations with the aim of supporting them with sustainability insights.

The platform, which the bank will begin testing in early 2026, aims to provide businesses with an adaptive carbon profile, tailored energy-efficiency recommendations, and connections to verified solution providers and funding partners to accelerate implementation.

Barclays said the trial will explore the potential of the platform to create value for UK-based businesses, including how AI-powered insights could translate sustainability opportunities into measurable improvements in "productivity, cost efficiency, and competitiveness."

The platform is developed by London-headquartered AI tech company ExpectAI.

“Barclays believes that AI platforms will play an important role in supporting businesses with sustainability-related initiatives and decision-making," said Daniel Hanna, group head of sustainable and transition finance, Barclays. "Our ambition with this initiative is to support the development of an emerging climate tech business and help our clients understand the connection between sustainability and business value creation.”

According to 2023 government figures, SMEs generate about half of per cent UK private-sector turnover and employ around 60 per cent of the workforce.

Barclays said that the move demonstrates how it plans to deliver its climate ambition by working with clients on their transition, financing the transition, and scaling climate technology.

Last week, Barclays announced it had invested in United Fintech, a London-based FinTech infrastructure and ecosystem for financial institutions, asset managers and wealth managers.

Through the partnership, Barclays joins the United Fintech Board of Directors, adding to the company’s existing shareholder base of investors which currently includes BNP Paribas, Citi, Danske Bank and Standard Chartered.

In a statement, United Fintech said the deal will help expand its international presence, which currently includes 11 offices worldwide and over 200 employees, while accelerating its growth trajectory, including through acquisitions.

---