The Global Fintech Forum 2025 opened UK Fintech Week with a clear signal of strategic intent, that it intends to hold on to its prime position globally.
Hosted at the Institute of Directors by the Department for Business and Trade, alongside HM Treasury and the Office for Investment, the event gathered international investors, government officials, fintech founders and trade envoys to reaffirm the UK’s ambition to lead on the global fintech stage.
Key announcements, such as the launch of the JAX Hub to help UK fintechs scale into the US, were paired with calls from industry leaders for regulatory reforms and better mobilisation of domestic capital. With speeches from senior ministers and CEOs alike, and a tone that blended confidence with constructive realism, the Forum laid the groundwork for a week of discussion and deal-making.
It also set the UK’s fintech narrative on a new course: one that is more international, more collaborative and more politically aligned with the country’s long-term economic goals.
A strategic showcase of UK fintech leadership
This flagship event marked the commencement of UK FinTech Week 2025, underscoring the nation’s commitment to reinforcing its status as a global fintech hub. The Institute of Directors on Pall Mall was a fitting venue for showcasing the strength of UK fintech.
Steeped in history and located in the heart of London’s political and financial districts, the location offered delegates a powerful blend of tradition and innovation. The grandeur on show with marble interiors, chandeliers and classical architecture lent gravitas to top tier discussions.
Kicking things off, Economic Secretary to the Treasury Emma Reynolds, said: “Financial services is the jewel in the crown of the UK economy and has a critical role to play in the government’s growth mission.”
With a morning of global stellar speakers, it was easy to see what that growth mission looked like. The session ‘Monetary Visionaries’ included Alessandra Perrazzelli, deputy governor, Bank of Italy, Roberto Silva, chairman, Comisión Nacional de Valores, Argentina National Securities Commission, H.E. Dr Khaled Al-Dhaher, vice governor, supervision and technology, SAMA, Saudi Central Bank, Mo El Husseiny, founder and managing partner, Ventura Capital and moderator Sir Charles Bowman, advisor to PwC UK and FinTech Growth Fund who was Lord Mayor of London between 2017 and 2018.
One topic brought up by Mo highlighted the significant impact fintech has had on the BNPL (buy now, pay later) segment, which has grown rapidly with 800 million users in just 18 to 24 months. He mentioned that payment companies like Stripe are processing substantial volumes, rivalling traditional financial giants.
Others on the panel discussed how regulatory and legal frameworks vary globally, posing challenges and risks of regulatory arbitrage. Central banks view fintech as crucial for financial continuity and trust, emphasising cybersecurity and consumer protection. Silva shared that Argentina’s fiscal policy aims to reduce inflation through tight monetary policies and legal instruments like the Green Deal.
Diving deeper into topics
The conference format allowed longer conversations on hot topics such as a deep dive on the FCA‘s strategy for 2025-2030 which was announced in March. CEO Nikhil Rathi emphasised balancing regulation and growth, doubling case offices, and automating processes using advanced models. He discussed key initiatives that include cutting financial crime with AI, supporting consumer navigation and embracing DLT and tokenisation internationally.
One thing to note is that the FCA has moved to outcomes-based regulation, including the consumer duty and senior managers regime. It aims to regain momentum in digital verification and experimentation, focusing on new payments mechanisms, SME lending and the sandbox scheme.
Digital inclusion is crucial, with efforts in accessibility, broadband, and digital education. The plan also highlights the importance of supporting vulnerable consumers and improving digital solutions for processes like bereavement claims.
Wrapping up the session Rathi continued to outline the company focus on supporting innovative activities in various regions, something that UK Fintech Week also tries to highlight with activities outside of the capital throughout the week. London is not the only hot bed of fintech growth and talent anymore.
Momentum in digital assets
One harmonious panel discussed the evolving role of blockchain and digital assets in the UK’s financial services. Mike Wilcox, global COO and UK CEO of Blockchain.com highlighted the maturity of digital assets and the growing use cases, including stablecoins and tokenisation.
Keith Grose, CEO UK at Coinbase noted that 13 per cent of the UK population owns crypto, with stablecoin volume reaching over $27trillion last year. Cassie Craddock, MD Europe & EU at Ripple, emphasised the increased institutional interest in digital assets, particularly for cross-border payments, and the need for clear regulatory frameworks to unlock further potential. The panel agreed on the UK’s strategic position in the global digital asset landscape.
This was then quickly followed by a discussion on open banking, a topic where the UK had previously been seen as a front runner but now has some serious competitors worldwide. Featuring Mo Mirza, CFO, TrueLayer, Cindy Van Niekerk, CEO and founder, Umazi, Myles Stephenson, CEO and founder, Modulr and Bruno Diniz, board member, Open Finance Brazil.
Diniz outlined Brazil’s open finance success with 41 million users, 62 million consents, and 850 companies. It’s clear that Pix has been a key driver here for adoption and integration. Stephenson commented on open banking’s role in automating payments for SMEs and the UK’s leadership in open banking, with 225 million transactions annually was praised. The panel was keen to stress challenges include user experience optimisation and regulatory alignment. Future opportunities include embedding open banking in daily financial processes and expanding its applications beyond finance as it blurs with open data.
Key announcements and initiatives
A notable highlight was the announcement of the JAX Hub, a fintech start-up program established in partnership with Jacksonville, Florida and launched by L Marks. This initiative aims to support UK fintech companies in expanding into the US market, building upon a memorandum of understanding between the UK and the State of Florida to deepen bilateral trade and economic cooperation.
“Jacksonville is going to be the gateway from international firms to the US” said Daniel Saunders, the chief executive of L Marks, highlighting the area’s strategic importance for international business expansion. Home to some giants in financial services alongside copious number of universities and budget-friendly office space, there’s a lot of opportunity on offer for programme winners.
But there was also some loud calls by industry leaders for regulatory adjustments to support fintech growth. Richard Davies, CEO of Allica Bank, gave his viewpoint on building a business in Britain and some of the challenges he faced in scaling one of the fastest growing companies in Europe giving moderator Samantha Niblett, MP and co-chair of All-Party Parliamentary Group for Fintech a lot to think about.
Reassessing the UK’s fintech narrative
The forum’s discussions underscored the UK’s proactive measures in maintaining its fintech leadership. However, the evolving global landscape necessitates a continuous reassessment of strategies. Emphasising inclusivity, regulatory adaptability, and domestic capital mobilisation will be crucial in ensuring sustained growth and competitiveness.
It concluded with Varun Chandra, special advisor to the Prime Minister on business and investment, who commented that the UK government is committed to supporting fintech innovators and that every government decision is now viewed through a growth lens.
With financial services so central to the UK’s industrial strategy and international trade negotiations the pressure is on for regulators are working to create supportive environments.
With events planned throughout the rest of the week both in London and in the regions, it’s clear that the appetite for the UK to drive the business agenda is very much alive and well especially under the helm of Katie Ramsey, head of fintech at DBT, and her team.
For more on how the rest of the week went, check out further coverage from The Fintech Times.
