Financial news

Starling Bank has become the latest partner looking to empower Wales as a globally recognised hub of fintech excellence with FinTech Wales, the independent members association and champion of the fintech and financial services industry.

The leading digital bank aims to give people a fairer, smarter and more human alternative to the banks of the past. It offers personal, business, joint, euro and dollar current accounts alongside a children’s card.

Launched in April 2019, FinTech Wales offers help and support to its network of members and participants, and uses the power of the collective voice to be heard by politicians, governments and influencers in the financial services space.

As well as nurturing and supporting those businesses already in Wales, it aims to develop an ecosystem that will encourage and attract new fintech companies to start up or scale up in our region. Ultimately, FinTech Wales hopes to make the country a leading pillar, not only in the UK, but in the global fintech community.

Customers voted Starling ‘Best British Bank’ four years in a row at the British Bank Awards between 2018 and 2021. With its headquarters in London, Starling also decided to scale its business in Cardiff in 2020 due to the talent available and now employs over 1200 people in the city centre.

‘Creating high-quality employment in Wales’

Sarah Williams-Gardener, who is transitioning from CEO to chair at FinTech Wales, was also a founding member of Starling Bank. She explained: “The Fintech ecosystem is thriving here in Wales; and we have a unique culture of support and collaboration that encourages a continuous flow of new and innovative ideas.

“I believe FinTech Wales and Starling Bank share ambitions of creating high-quality employment in Wales by increasing the awareness of the career opportunities that the fintech sector offers, and nurturing new talent.

“Working together and collaborating on our many skills initiatives to create talent and build meaningful relationships between industry and academia is making a real impact on the landscape of fintech in Wales. We are excited about the possibilities this partnership will offer.”

Alexandra Frean, chief corporate affairs officer at Starling Bank, also commented: “The Welsh tech sector is making a significant contribution to the UK’s tech industry, especially in fintech.”

Starling Bank now joins a number of key Welsh financial services organisations by partnering with FinTech Wales, including Admiral, Confused.com, LexisNexis Risk Solutions, Yoello, Sonovate, as well as Wealthify, among others.