Barclays Partners ExpectAI to Boost SME Sustainability

Barclays partners with ExpectAI, which aims to support small and medium-sized businesses by transforming sustainability insights into measurable business value, and the initiative highlights the growing role of artificial intelligence in commercial decision-making. From early 2026, Barclays will begin testing ExpectAI’s Una platform using publicly available information, and through this process, the bank will explore how AI-driven analysis can help UK-based SMEs improve performance. 

Una creates digital twins of SME operations, and as a result, it converts complex data into clear, actionable insights that businesses can apply with confidence. Furthermore, the platform provides adaptive carbon profiles that adjust as operations change, while also delivering tailored energy-efficiency recommendations designed to reduce costs and improve resource use.

In addition, Una connects businesses with verified solution providers and potential funding partners, which can help accelerate implementation and reduce operational friction. Therefore, the testing phase will focus not only on environmental impact but also on productivity, cost efficiency, and competitiveness. By assessing these outcomes, Barclays aims to understand how sustainability opportunities can translate into tangible financial improvements for SMEs operating in competitive markets. 

Barclays Partners ExpectAI to Boost SME Sustainability

Moreover, the collaboration reflects a broader effort to demonstrate that responsible business practices can align directly with growth and resilience. Daniel Hanna, Group Head of Sustainable and Transition Finance at Barclays, said, “Barclays believes that AI platforms will play an important role in supporting businesses with sustainability-related initiatives and decision-making, and our ambition with this initiative is to support the development of an emerging climate tech business while helping our clients understand the connection between sustainability and business value creation.” 

Consequently, Barclays continues to strengthen its role as a partner for businesses navigating the transition to more efficient and future-ready operations. Anand Verma, Founder and CEO of ExpectAI, added, “We are delighted to be working with Barclays on this important initiative, as ExpectAI was founded to help SMEs become more profitable, productive, and sustainable, and Barclays’ long-standing focus on SMEs and commitment to supporting clients through the transition make it the ideal organisation to advance this work.” He also emphasized that the collaboration aims to demonstrate how AI-powered insights can unlock practical value for businesses. 

Overall, the initiative represents a significant step toward integrating advanced technology with sustainability strategy. As testing progresses, both organisations expect the collaboration to show how data-driven insights can empower SMEs to make smarter decisions, improve efficiency, and strengthen long-term competitiveness, while at the same time supporting a more sustainable business landscape.

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