FinTech body launched to tackle challenges and encourage collaboration

Rachel Eyre, left and Ilona Alcock

MIDAS, Greater Manchester’s inward investment agency, and pro-manchester, the membership body for the city region’s financial and professional services sector, are launching a dedicated FinTech committee to address challenges and drive collaboration within the sector.

The two organisations will create a programme of events supported by a committee of individuals from FinTech firms as well as broader companies aligned with financial technology.

Businesses already registered include Raisin, Open Money, AccessPay, DLA Piper, TLT Solicitors, Fibonatix, KPMG and Sky Parlour.

The pro-manchester organisation will run the committee as one of its sector programmes, supporting the initiative with events and online promotion to drive business development within the field.

Rachel Eyre, business development manager for the financial, professional and business services sector at MIDAS, said: “Being home to the UK’s largest regional financial services industry as well as one of Europe’s largest digital and technology clusters, Greater Manchester has developed a strong reputation as the FinTech capital of the North.

“The local FinTech ecosystem and industry is evolving rapidly but it still has great growth potential so we are delighted to be launching this committee alongside pro-manchester, which will help drive the continual progression of the sector.

“Through our programme of events, members will have the opportunity to share best practice, identify opportunities to collaborate and create a stronger voice to encourage further investment and support.”

Greater Manchester is home to the UK’s largest regional financial and professional services sector, as well as one of Europe’s largest digital and technology hubs, with more than 65 FinTechs – including unicorns OakNorth and Klarna as well as numerous homegrown companies such as AccessPay and Nivo – with expertise spanning payments, platforms, software and cyber security.

The city region also has a strong and growing pool of tech talent, which has encouraged companies such as Amazon, HPE, Microsoft, IBM and Google to establish a presence in Greater Manchester.

Ilona Alcock, pro-manchester’s sector group manager, said: “FinTech is an exciting, fast-moving industry and we are delighted to collaborate with MIDAS to support the sector. The new committee will give pro-manchester members and the wider community opportunities to showcase success stories, network and attract further investment and growth.”

The committee will launch on Tuesday, October 1.

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