Innovate Finance Global Summit Kicks off UK FinTech Week 2017

Celebrating Britain’s Status as Leading FinTech Hub

Innovate Finance, the membership associating for the UK’s global FinTech sector, today commences it’s annual global summit over two days at the Guildhall London. Over 2000 attendees from the world of banking, FinTech, philanthropy and technology have come to London for the prestigious gathering. To celebrate day the start of UK FinTech week, Innovate Finance opens the markets at the London Stock Exchange.

This year’s global summit addresses the challenges and opportunities that Brexit, Trump and globalisation present to the world and the major implications for financial services and the FinTech sector. It also covers topics ranging from cyber security to financial exclusion and how new innovations can overcome these challenges.

Day One headline speakers at the conference includes Sir Tim Berners Lee, creator of the World Wide Web, Mark Boleat, Chairman of the City of London, Eileen Burbidge, Partner at Passion Capital and Nick Ogden, CEO of ClearBank, the UK’s first clearing bank in 250 years.

Day two of the summit includes Pitch360, Innovate Finance’s first ever FinTech startup competition, which takes place at Guildhall London. Applications for the pitch session opened late last year with submissions received from across the world. The finalists will pitch for six minutes infront of select committee for a chance to win £10,000 cash prize.

Workshops and fringe events are also taking place on day two, with organisations such as the Gates Foundation, WEF, Chatham House, and Nesta taking part.

Commenting on the event, the Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Simon Kirby, said: “Bringing together over 2000 people from the FinTech world, Innovate Finance’s global summit is the perfect way to kick off this year’s FinTech week. The next few days offer an unprecedented opportunity for ambitious UK firms to come together with investors, regulators, legal experts and government advisers to talk about the best way for them to scale up and flourish.

“We are already the best in the world at FinTech and we are determined to keep it that way. FinTech week 2017 is a crucial part of our plan to forge a truly Global Britain that remains a great place to do business.”

Commenting on the event, Policy Chairman of the City of London Corporation Mark Boleat said: “The UK is the unparalleled leader when it comes to FinTech. Government’s backing of FinTech initiatives and our financial sector’s dynamism in responding to customers’ needs has helped propel the UK onto the world stage when it comes to FinTech – a trend shows no sign of slowing down. Bringing together FinTech leaders from across the world, Innovate Finance’s Global Summit is the ideal setting for these major players to share ideas and solutions to the biggest challenges facing the sector. We’re thrilled to once again host this event and look forward to establishing how the UK can continue to build upon its stance as the global leader in FinTech.”

Lawrence Wintermeyer, CEO, Innovate Finance said: “We are opening our doors to the global community to discuss the future of FinTech, to hear from leading experts and visionaries, and to celebrate our members’ FinTech innovations that are helping to create better financial services for everyone. The City of London is the home of global FinTech and we look forward celebrating UK FinTech throughout the week.”