What is the Productive Finance Working Group?
The industry-led Productive Finance Working Group aims to develop practical solutions to the barriers to investing in long-term, less liquid assets. The Group was convened in November 2020 by the Bank of England, HM Treasury and the Financial Conduct Authority.
Low interest rates and relatively slow economic growth, by historic standards, have increased the challenge for savers in terms of returns on their investments. One way to achieve higher returns, net of cost, is to invest in longer-term, less liquid assets, managed appropriately.
Investment in such assets, including productive finance assets, could also benefit the wider economy. It can support economic recovery, financial stability and the transition to net zero. Examples of productive assets include research and development, technology, and infrastructure.