The FinTech Five – June 11th 2021 – Featuring Anne Boden, Wealthify, Backbase, Principality, & Wales Startup Awards.
11 June, 2021
Welcome to the FinTech Five, the part of the week where we take a closer look at the best articles, news, and features from across our FinTech Wales members.
1. Anne Boden, CEO and Founder of Starling Bank Joins FinTech Wales for Fireside Chat on June 23rd
First this week, the exciting news of the upcoming digital fireside on June 23rd with the Welsh FinTech pioneer, Anne Boden.
FinTech Wales will be hosting the Starling Bank CEO & Founder in a free, hour-long digital fireside chat, where we’ll discuss Anne’s inspiring journey so far, her thoughts on the latest industry hot topics, and vision for the future of bankings.
The event, sponsored by EY and powered by Tramshed Tech Cardiff, will be hosted by Fintech Wales CEO, Sarah Williams-Gardener, between 10 am – 11 am on June 23rd.
Sarah Willaims-Gardener noted her excitement for the event.
“We’re thrilled at FinTech Wales to have the opportunity to sit down (digitally) with an inspiring leader whose innovations continue to improve banking services and their accessibility for millions.”
Tickets are limited so register now to ensure you don’t miss out on this exclusive event.
2. Wealthify’s Andrew Russell Reflects on His First Year as CEO and Outlines Ambitions for the Future.
Next, Wealthify’s Andrew Russell has written a leadership piece on his experiences during his first year as CEO and looks forward to what the future may bring for the investment platform.
In the article, Andrew refers to his three A’s Accessibility, Affordability, Advocacy, which he sees as crucial in continuing Wealthifys upwards trajectory.
By elaborating on each of these A’s and their significance to Wealthify, Andy lets us in on the core principles behind the company’s success so far and how these values will remain fundamental in shaping Wealthify’s future.
As Andrew explains,
“I’m very lucky to be leading a passionate group of people who are all determined to deliver their best performance each and every day. From idea sessions and implementation to compliance and client onboarding, I’m constantly in awe of how much this team cares and achieves.
After a year of being CEO, working closely with the team, and listening to our customers, I understand what makes Wealthify a good business and how we can become a great one.”
Read the full article on the Wealthify website here.
3. Fintech Wales Members Included in the Wales StartUp Awards Shortlists
It’s Awards (Shortlist) Season, where we find out who’s in the running for the various categories at some of Wales most sought after awards ceremonies.
Last week we highlighted the list of nominees for the FinTech Awards Wales, and this week, it’s the turn of the Wales Startup Awards.
The Wales Startup awards celebrate growing companies in categories from Food and Drink, to FinTech Start-up of the Year.
We’re delighted to see so many nominees from our FinTech Wales membership and have highlighted the ones to look out for below.
Cardiff Start-Up of the Year
Fintech Start-Up of the Year
Young Entrepreneur of the Year
- Ronnie Bourne and Laura Mallows (Mallows Beauty)
- Oliver Williams (Ollywood)
- Tim Winstanley (Pendragon Drinks)
- Sina Yamani (Yoello)
Tickets are available for this prestigious event held on September 9th 2021, at the Depot in Cardiff.
Read the full shortlist, and find out more about the Wales Startup Awards here.
4. Backbase Shares Case Study Ebook and Offers Advice on Building a Digital Bank From the Ground Up
Backbase is known consistently publishes excellent analysis and insights from its industry leaders around the world, and this week, one article, in particular, caught our eye from Riddhi Dutta.
With an accompanying ebook of case studies, the Regional Head for ASEAN & South Asia looks to help banks on their digital transformation journey.
In the article titled “Building a Digital Bank from the Ground Up”, Riddi outlines the importance of identifying a problem statement, choosing your partners wisely, and staying grounded.
Riddi concludes his article by highlighting the four questions he believes founders should ask themselves when embarking on their transformational journey.
“One, as a bank, how do you distinguish yourself from others? What is the problem statement you are trying to solve?
Two, are you focusing enough on your customer? Are you taking an outside-in approach instead of an inside-out approach?
Three, from a business perspective, how are you looking to scale up? Have you considered the aspects of reusability, repeatability, plug and play and flexibility?
Lastly, how are you looking to sustain this journey? Are you future-proofing your technology stack for the next 5 to 10 years?”
Read the full article and download the ebook from the Backbase website here.
5. Principality Partners With the Woodland Trust to Mitigate Their Carbon Footprint
Finally, this week, the Principality Building Society has partnered with the Woodland Trust to mitigate its carbon footprint.
The partnership will see Wales’ largest building society lock up 750 tonnes of carbon dioxide in UK woodland as part of the Trust’s Woodland Carbon Programme.
The carbon will be stored as circa 3,000 trees that have already been planted and will continue to grow, offsetting Principality’s carbon emissions generated through energy and travel use for 2018 and 2019.
Vicky Wales, Chief Customer Officer at Principality Building Society said:
“We believe it’s important for us to be a sustainable society and considerate of our environment. Our members and colleagues tell us they think this too. Reducing energy consumption as a purpose-led organisation is just one of the ways we can help the environments of the communities that we serve.”
Pip Borrill, Head of Partnerships at the Woodland Trust said:
“We’re delighted to be supported by Principality Building Society. By investing in our Woodland Carbon scheme, Principality are demonstrating their commitment to the environment by helping us establish and care for woodland. It’s a win-win for wildlife and the Welsh landscape.”
Until Next Week
And that’s it for the FinTech Five this week. Thank you for reading, and don’t forget to join us next week for more of the best content from across our FinTech Wales membership.