Two Weeks That Showcased the Best of Wales: Reflections from the CEO of FinTech Wales – and we’re just getting started…
12 December, 2025
The past few weeks have been nothing short of extraordinary for Wales. With Wales Tech Week, the Technology Connected Awards, and the Welsh Government Investment Summit taking place back-to-back, Wales has projected its strengths onto a global stage, showing the world our ambition, our innovation, and our collaborative spirit.
As CEO of FinTech Wales, it has been both a privilege and an inspiration to be part of this remarkable showcase of Welsh innovation and potential.
Wales Tech Week: A Showcase of Innovation and Ambition
The Wales Tech Week 2025 programme delivered an exceptional celebration of technology, entrepreneurship, and cross-sector collaboration. From global names to Welsh scale-ups, the week was a testament to how far Wales’ tech offering has come, and how far we’re determined to go.
Leadership in Action: Our Chair’s Panel
Our Chair, Sarah Williams-Gardener, led a compelling discussion on the Investment Landscape in Wales, joined by the British Business Bank, Development Bank of Wales, Innovate UK, and HSBC Innovation Bank.
The conversation highlighted an increasingly vibrant funding landscape and reinforced investor confidence in Wales’ capacity to generate world-class innovation.
FinTech Wales at the Forefront
I was delighted to host two panels that explored both the future of financial services and fintech’s role in tackling global challenges.
The GenAI Opportunity in Financial Services: Elevating Customer Service
Generative AI is reshaping the financial services landscape, transforming customer expectations and redefining how businesses operate. The expert panel of:
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Wayne Ellis, CIO, Admiral Money
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Emma Everard, Head of Customer Service, Wealthify
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David Sullivan, Data Director, Starling Bank
shared invaluable insights into how Welsh organisations are adopting and advancing AI to create better, more human-centred customer experiences.
FinTech for Net Zero: Powering Wales’ Green Future
The second panel focused on the intersection of fintech and sustainability, featuring pioneering innovators from:
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Richard Theo, Founder & CEO, Zero
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Jarrad Morris, Founder, Fleet EV and Plug Charging
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Mat Thomson, Co-Founder, Gopher Zero
Together, we explored how fintech can accelerate decarbonisation, empower greener consumer behaviours, and support SMEs on their net-zero journeys. It highlighted a powerful truth: Wales isn’t just participating in the green transition—we’re helping lead it.
Celebrating Member Excellence
Throughout the exhibition, our members took centre stage across panels, stands, and showcases. From de Novo Solutions, Sadler Recruitment, tiQ toQ, Critical Cloud, Voltric, USW, Mobilise Cloud, Barclays, Venture Comet, FinalRentals, Blake Morgan, SocuraNova, DataMonet, CodeInstitute, Aspire2Be, The Cloud Factory, HCR Law, Cyber Innovation Hub, Ogi and many more, their presence demonstrated the strength and diversity of Welsh innovation.
We were also proud to see Rachel Hillier, Partner at Capital Law and FinTech Wales Board Member, host an excellent session with techUK on scaling in insurance alongside
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Hoodi Ansari, Director of Data and Operations, Go.Compare
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Matt Crole-Rees, Head of Motor, Confused.com
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David Harlow, Director at pH Innovate Group
Technology Connected Awards: A Night of Welsh Excellence
The Technology Connected Awards once again delivered an unforgettable celebration of Welsh innovation. The finalists and winners showcased world-leading ideas, breakthrough technologies, and remarkable achievements across every corner of the tech sector, and we were incredibly proud to see a number of our members get the recognition they deserve including:
Cavefish, Zero, Critical Cloud, FinalRentals, IE Hub, de Novo Solutions, VisVira, Datamonet, Burbank and Thinkedi,
See full list of winners here.
These awards don’t just recognise success, they inspire it. They elevate the profile of Welsh companies and signal to the world that Wales is a powerhouse of talent and creativity.
Welsh Government Investment Summit: Wales on the World Stage
The following week saw yet another milestone moment: the Welsh Government Investment Summit.
The summit was a clear indication of Wales’ growing international influence, and the calibre of attendees reflected that. We were honoured to be joined by:
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Prince William, shining a global spotlight on the incredible innovation happening across Wales
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Rachel Reeves, UK Chancellor, reinforcing the critical role Wales plays in national growth and technological leadership
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Nigel Morris, global fintech pioneer and co-founder of Capital One, who recognises Wales as a rising force in the global fintech landscape
and many other influential investors, founders, and leaders who truly see the value of Wales on the world stage
Their presence underscored a shared recognition: Wales is a nation with immense potential, ready to scale and ready to lead.
A Spectacular Two-Week Showcase for Wales
Together, Wales Tech Week, the Technology Connected Awards, and the Welsh Government Investment Summit created a two-week period that will be remembered as a defining moment for our nation.
These events:
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Elevated Wales’ global profile
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Strengthened investor confidence
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Inspired entrepreneurs and future innovators
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Showcased the power of our collaborative ecosystem
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Reinforced Wales as a thriving hub for technology and financial services
Most importantly, they demonstrated what makes Wales truly special: our unity, our ambition, and our unwavering belief in the potential of our people and businesses.
Looking Ahead: The First Welsh FinTech Festival
As we carry this incredible momentum forward, we are now turning our attention to the next exciting chapter: planning the very first Welsh FinTech Festival.
This festival will build on the amazing work delivered by the Welsh Government and Technology Connected, creating a dedicated platform to showcase our world-class fintech industry, attract investors, connect innovators, and celebrate the ecosystem that makes Wales such a unique and vibrant place to grow.
It will be another opportunity to shine a spotlight on Wales, and we cannot wait to bring the vision to life.
A Final Reflection
As I reflect on this remarkable fortnight, I feel proud, energised, and more optimistic than ever about the future of Welsh fintech and technology.
FinTech Wales remains committed to championing our members, supporting our ecosystem, and ensuring Wales continues to be a place where fintech businesses can start, scale, and succeed.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to making these two weeks a defining moment for Wales.
Sarah Jones
CEO, FinTech Wales