Cardiff is officially one of the UK’s fastest-rising loan hotspots, as new data reveals a sharp increase in borrowing across the Welsh capital in 2025. According to new research from specialist lender Pepper Money, loan searches in the UK have surged by 35% in the last quarter, with Cardiff ranking third nationally for overall borrowing. Residents are turning to loans to manage the rising cost of living, with debt consolidation, home improvements, and holiday spending driving demand in the region.