Welcome to the Fintech Five+

A fortnightly look at the best articles, news, and insights from FinTech Wales members and the Financial Services industry across the UK.

Cardiff-based Climate Fintech Zero Announces Delivery Partners Ahead of Launch

Climate-conscious fintech, Zero, based in Cardiff, is making strides towards its official launch by securing key delivery partners. Zero is set to provide innovative financial services with a sustainability focus, aiming to combat climate change through its offerings. As a member of FinTech Wales, Zero’s mission aligns with the growing demand for environmentally responsible financial products. The announcement of these partnerships marks a significant step forward in bringing their climate-positive financial solutions to market.

Read the full story here on the FinTech Wales website.

EY Launches Fourth Iteration of FinTech Growth Programme

EY has officially opened applications for the fourth iteration of its highly anticipated FinTech Growth Programme. This free, six-week-long initiative is designed to empower scaling fintech start-ups across the UK by providing them with essential tools, resources, and networking opportunities to help them grow smarter and connect more impactfully. The programme, which is non-residential, consists of a series of workshops and networking events, all aimed at addressing the strategic and operational challenges that fintech companies face as they scale.

Katja Palovaara, FinTech Manager at EY, shared her excitement about the launch, highlighting that with three cohorts completed in just under two years, the programme has been continuously refined to better meet the needs of participating companies. Benefits of the programme include access to EY’s global ecosystem, opportunities to raise the profile of fintechs in the industry, and extensive networking opportunities with investors, corporates, and successful founders. Additionally, participants will receive peer-to-peer advice from other start-ups, making this programme a valuable platform for growth and innovation.

The time commitment required from participants is just half a day per week over the course of six weeks, making it an accessible yet impactful experience. Interested fintech companies are encouraged to apply and take advantage of this opportunity to accelerate their growth with the support of EY’s world-leading expertise.

Read more and apply here.

Cardiff-Based Fintech Firm Finalrentals Celebrates Rapid Growth on UK Anniversary

Finalrentals, a Cardiff-based fintech company specializing in car rental solutions, has reported significant growth as it marks its first anniversary in the UK. The firm, which offers a unique digital platform for renting cars, has quickly expanded its presence across the country, reflecting strong market demand. With plans to further increase its footprint, Finalrentals continues to innovate within the car rental sector, leveraging technology to enhance customer experiences and streamline operations.

Read the full story here.

Welsh Telco Ogi Secures £45 Million Package to Support Next Stages of Growth

Ogi, a Welsh telecommunications company and FinTech Wales member, has secured a £45 million funding package to fuel its next phase of growth. This substantial investment will be used to expand Ogi’s infrastructure and services, including the rollout of high-capacity fibre networks across South Wales. The funding underscores Ogi’s pivotal role in enhancing digital connectivity in Wales, which is critical for supporting the region’s fintech and digital industries. The company’s growth is set to have a lasting impact on the local economy and the broader business landscape.

Read more on this development here.

Why Cardiff is the Natural Home for Start-Up and Scale-Up Innovation

Cardiff is rapidly emerging as a hub for start-ups and scale-ups, particularly in the fintech sector. The city’s unique blend of a supportive business environment, access to talent, and strong community networks makes it an ideal location for innovation. This guest column by Louise Harris, CEO and Co-Founder of Tramshed Tech, on Business News Wales delves into the factors that contribute to Cardiff’s appeal, including its strategic initiatives to foster entrepreneurship and its growing reputation as a center for tech-driven businesses. For fintech firms, Cardiff offers a vibrant ecosystem that supports growth and success.

Read the full article here on Business News Wales.

This concludes this week’s edition of FinTech Five. Remember to join us every two weeks for the latest news highlights from our FinTech Wales membership and wider FinTech ecosystem.