North Wales fintech Hartmark expands into China with Shanghai joint venture

Welsh fintech consultancy Hartmark has launched a joint venture in Shanghai, China, marking the company’s first permanent establishment in Asia and reinforcing its commitment to supporting businesses involved in UK-China trade.

The expansion represents a significant milestone for the Gwynedd-headquartered business, which aims to bridge cultural, legal and financial gaps between organisations operating across more than 160 countries. The new Shanghai venture is expected to strengthen Hartmark’s presence in the Asia-Pacific market while enabling it to provide enhanced support to clients involved in cross-border trade.

Hartmark already works with Chinese insurers including SINOSURE and PICC. The Shanghai joint venture will allow the company to liaise more efficiently with these clients and manage cases onshore, reducing reliance on remote communication and third-party partners.

The local team will be led by Sun Ling and Sun Yiguo, whose expertise will help bridge cultural and language barriers. Sun Ling brings experience in management consulting, credit management and debt collection, while Sun Yiguo is a former senior bankruptcy specialist in Shanghai. Together, they have more than 35 years of legal practice.

Patrick Harte, Director and Co-founder of Hartmark, said:

“Establishing a presence in Shanghai within two years of trading is an enormous milestone for us. It brings us closer to our clients in Asia and underscores our commitment to facilitating international trade by being local where it matters.

“The business will remain headquartered in Gwynedd, north Wales, where we continue to build a local workforce, partner with Welsh academia and add value to the Welsh fintech scene – all while simultaneously achieving global reach.

“Our carefully curated global network of 100-plus vetted qualified professionals across every major trading region is undoubtedly a huge advantage and will allow us to add value to both Chinese firms and UK/European businesses in commercial intelligence, risk management and recovery solutions during a time when international trade has never been more complex.”

Hartmark received support from the Welsh Government’s Business Wales Accelerated Growth Programme to assist with the establishment of the Shanghai venture.

Rhys Griffiths, Relationship Manager at Fintech Wales, said:

“Hartmark’s expansion into China is a strong example of how Welsh fintech companies can successfully export their expertise on a global stage. This move not only supports the company’s continued growth, but also strengthens wider Wales–China trade connectivity.

“It’s great to see a Welsh fintech leading the way in early AI adoption, advanced technology integration, and a strong commitment to international standards. By supporting the more efficient resolution of trade payments and disputes, Hartmark’s work can help businesses on both sides trade with greater confidence and contribute to smoother cross-border activity.”