Every Wednesday, we delve into the latest fintech updates from across the UK. This week brings updates from Bluechain, Channel, FinTech Wales, Yoti and the University of Surrey.
University of Surrey opens fintech centre
The University of Surrey has launched its new Centre for Sustainable and Explainable Fintech (SAEF).
The centre will focus on how the progress being made in fintech is bringing greater access to finance locally and globally – from the processing of global payments to the role of central banks and cryptocurrencies.
Professor Bonnie Buchanan, director of SAEF at the University of Surrey, said: “While cashless payments and NFTs have slowly become the norm, the world of fintech has been very much the domain of those in the financial markets and technologists. At SAEF, we believe that fintech literacy is a matter of fairness – it can help the UK address global challenges such as wealth inequality, biodiversity, trust in institutions and regulation.”
FinTech Wales wins award
Picture by: Richard Williams
Not-for-profit membership organisation FinTech Wales has been rewarded for its success in helping fintech startups to launch, having received ‘Best Accelerator/ Incubator’ at the FinTech Awards Wales.
The award is given in recognition of an accelerator or incubator that has succeeded in helping fintech startups to launch. The award also looks at how they have developed technology that has a real impact, as well as fostering ecosystem support that could advance innovation across Wales.
CEO of FinTech Wales, Sarah Williams-Gardener, said: “We are delighted to have been honoured by the FinTech Wales Awards this year. Having launched the Foundry just over 12 months ago as a no-equity accelerator programme designed by founders for founders, we are proud to be judged by our results.”
Payments provider Bluechain builds on success
Payments provider Bluechain has officially launched in the UK with its first customer construction materials supplier, Aggregate Industries.
The start-up’s objective is to enable Aggregate Industries to digitise the billing, collections and reconciliation process with their SME customers. The expansion comes to the UK following a successful launch in Australia in 2020.
Stephen Bedggood, vice president of product at Bluechain commented: “Bluechain’s launch in Australia has been very successful, with a significant number of small businesses and enterprises making or receiving payment via our platform. The expansion into the UK is a testament to the global success and impact we have had to date empowering businesses and customers in their payments journeys and I am excited to see this replicated in the UK market.”
Yoti providing safety checks for gambling operators
Financial KYC provider Department of Trust has partnered with digital identity company Yoti to enable gambling operators to easily complete affordability, safety and identity checks.
Consumers will be able to link a new or previous Yoti verification to a BetBudget personal financial profile. Customers registering at other participating gambling sites can be achieved in as little as one click after completing the process once.
Robin Tombs, CEO of Yoti said: “We’re excited to partner with the Department of Trust (DoTrust) and combine our solutions to introduce a new standard of compliance and identity verification for the gambling sector. DoTrust shares our philosophy to empower individuals with a safer way to share their personal information; one that protects their privacy and personal data, whilst ensuring companies have the details they need to be compliant.”
UK asset manager launches fintech lending fund
UK-based asset manager Channel Capital Advisors LLP (Channel) has launched its new ‘Fintech Lending Strategy’. Digital lending fintech platforms that require capital to finance loans to SMEs will use the fund.
In the last 15 years, Channel has distributed over $20billion in credit assets including loans, working capital facilities, and securities.
Paul Wilson, Channel’s chief investment officer, said: “The investment into our Fintech Lending Fund is a significant step forward for Channel – it will see us work closely with other digital platforms to facilitate loans for SMEs that are faster, simpler, and don’t dilute their business. Indeed, the deployment of dedicated funds like this is crucial in supporting and fuelling the ongoing growth of the global SME sector.”
