Brokers have called for better investment in financial education, with most having seen a rise in near prime enquiries during 2025, a study from Atom Bank has revealed.

More than nine in 10 (93%) brokers surveyed by Atom said they had seen an increase in customers with either adverse credit or who would fail traditional credit scores over the last year.

It is a trend they expect to continue, with around three quarters (74%) predicting a further jump in near prime business in 2026.

They called for improved financial education in order to help the next generation of borrowers avoid succumbing to the same credit mistakes.

The Government recently announced plans to include financial education within the national curriculum, and brokers were polled on which elements they wanted to see included.

An overview of the different forms of credit was the most popular option, pinpointed 22% of respondents, while almost one in five called for lessons on the real cost of borrowing and how debt can build up over time.

Data from Atom bank’s Near Prime Index revealed a significant proportion of near prime borrowers have household incomes of between £75,000 and £150,000, showing that adverse credit is not confined to lower-income households.

Atom Bank head of mortgages Richard Harrison said: “Near prime is now a mainstream part of the market, with our research highlighting the growing role it plays – and looks set to play – in the daily workloads of brokers across the country.

“Demand for near prime lending is only likely to increase, as we see the continued ramifications of the budgeting challenges of recent years, so it’s crucial that lenders provide clear pathways back to prime products as customers’ circumstances improve. Atom Bank is committed to supporting these borrowers, combining flexibility, speed and criteria designed for the realities of today’s market.”