Three Companies from Wales’ Fintech Ecosystem Selected for JPMorganChase Fintech Forward Programme 2026

Three companies with strong links to Wales’ fintech ecosystem have been selected for the 2026 JPMorganChase Fintech Forward Programme, joining a cohort of just 14 businesses from across the UK.

Serene, Onteric and Cardiff-based Hope Macy are among the companies selected for this year’s programme, which supports emerging fintech businesses and founders as they seek to accelerate their growth and impact.

The Fintech Forward Programme provides participating businesses with access to JPMorganChase’s network, including executive sponsorship and mentoring, alongside masterclasses, tailored workshops and opportunities to connect with investors, advisors and fellow entrepreneurs.

For FinTech Wales, the selection also highlights businesses with existing connections to Wales’ growing fintech community.

Serene joins the 2026 cohort

Serene previously participated in Season Three of the FinTech Wales Foundry accelerator programme.

In announcing its selection for the 2026 cohort, Serene described the Fintech Forward Programme as an opportunity to learn from experienced mentors across JPMorganChase’s network while building meaningful relationships with fellow founders, industry leaders and investors as it scales its impact.

“We’re very proud to share that we’ve been selected for this year’s cohort.”

Serene said it is looking forward to getting started and meeting the other companies taking part in the programme.

Cardiff-based Hope Macy selected

Hope Macy, which is based in Cardiff, has also been selected for the 2026 programme.

The company is focused on closing the gap in access to fair and affordable credit, developing credit infrastructure designed to enable lenders and platforms to extend credit to a wider range of individuals and small businesses.

Announcing its place on the programme, Hope Macy said:

“Being chosen to join this programme is a powerful validation of the work we’ve put in so far and a launchpad for the next chapter of our growth as we scale our impact.”

Through the Fintech Forward Programme, Hope Macy said it is looking forward to sharpening its strategy, deepening its expertise and accelerating its ability to serve underserved communities at scale.

Onteric among 14 businesses selected nationally

FinTech Wales member Onteric, which has an office in Cardiff, has also secured a place in the 14-company cohort.

Onteric develops neuro-symbolic AI technology designed to deliver consistent and explainable outputs, with reasoning and assumptions that can be traced back to source.

In announcing Onteric’s selection, the company said:

“We are thrilled, after a rigorous process, to have been selected as one of just 14 companies nationally in the JPMorganChase Fintech Forward Programme 2026.”

Onteric CEO and co-founder Jen Lothian also described selection for the programme as a major milestone for the company in her announcement on LinkedIn.

Fourteen companies join the 2026 programme

Announcing the cohort, Veronique Steiner, Managing Director, Head EMEA Innovation Economy at JPMorgan Payments, said the selected companies represent the next generation of innovation across financial services.

“The cohort represents the next generation of innovation across financial services, and reflects a high calibre and diversity of founders, teams, and solutions.”

Steiner highlighted areas including expanding access to business finance and working capital, strengthening trust and control in agentic commerce, advancing personalised financial experiences, shaping the future of financial advice and engagement, and enabling trusted AI adoption across financial services.

The full 2026 cohort announced by Steiner comprises Onteric, Serene, Hope Macy, AVIEL Intelligence, Planda, Afternoon, Lendoe, Ralio, Riff, Muse Finance, ripper, SAIBLE, Fundably and RMI Agentic.

Showcase event confirmed for December

The programme will culminate in a showcase at J.P. Morgan, 60 Victoria Embankment, London, on Thursday 3 December 2026, from 6:00pm to 10:00pm.

The evening will feature pitch presentations from this year’s cohort of fintechs creating a positive impact for individuals and businesses across the UK, alongside networking opportunities with investors, innovators and senior leaders from across the fintech community.

Further information about the programme is available on the JPMorganChase Fintech Forward Programme website.