New York – July 2, 2026 -The global securities lending industry generated a record $9.1 billion in the first half of 2026, according to EquiLend Data & Insights, as elevated market volatility and increased short-selling activity drove demand across global equity markets. Record loan balances of $4.38 trillion, together with heightened trading around AI-related stocks, biotech catalysts and APAC technology names, helped push industry revenue 34% higher than in the first half of 2025.

The lender-to-broker segment accounted for $6.99 billion in revenue, up 34% from H1 2025, while broker-to-broker lending generated $2.11 billion, up 33% year over year.

Global equities led growth in the first half, with lender revenue rising 38% from H1 2025, to $5.43 billion. North American equities reclaimed the top spot, generating $2.32 billion in lender revenue, as AI-related volatility, biotech catalysts and continued demand for credit ETFs drove an 11% increase over H1 2025. Asia-Pacific (APAC) was a close second at $2.12 billion, supported by strong demand for technology stocks, led by top earner Pop Mart International. In EMEA, lender revenue reached $959 million in the first half of 2026, driven by event-related demand for Koninklijke Philips and Telecom Italia.

Fixed income lender revenue also increased significantly, reaching $1.57 billion, up 22% year over year. Government bond lending rose 27%, while U.S. Treasurys increased 30% on higher balances and fees. French OAT lending revenue rose 24% from H1 2025, while U.K. gilts increased by a similar 29%. Corporate bond lending generated $417 million in lender-to-broker revenue, up 11% year-over-year, as a 36% increase in North American investment-grade lending balances drove a 39% increase in revenue.

Single-stock revenue leaders for H1 were Infosys LTD ADR (INFY US), Pop Mart International (992 HK), TopBuild Corp (BLD), Contemporary Amperex Technology H (3750 HK), and Lucid Group Inc (LCID US), which collectively generated $306 million, or 4.4% of lending revenue.