FinTech is a key sector for our economy, with the UK being recognised as a dominant force in the development of innovative FinTech technologies. Representing 10% of the global market share, the UK is home to some 1,600 trailblazing FinTech firms, with this figure estimated to double by 2030.
This includes 44% of Europe’s FinTech “unicorn” firms, each carrying a valuation of over £1bn. Benefitting from a diverse pool of international and home-grown tech talent and a world-leading legal and regulatory environment, UK FinTech firms are uniquely placed to be able to find growth and success on the global stage.
DIT launches its FinTech Export Academy
The Department for International Trade (DIT) has created the FinTech Export Academy, to support innovative UK FinTech firms in their international growth journey.
The FinTech Export Academy will provide free, 1-2-1 support directly to high-potential UK FinTechs that are seeking to expand into the following priority markets:
- United States of America
- Singapore
- Australia
- Hong Kong
- Canada
Qualifying UK FinTechs will receive mentoring from established leaders in this space, with bespoke advice provided across issues such as legal, tax, regulatory, accounting, market entry and recruitment.
This package of tailored advice and assistance will be facilitated through DIT’s internal experts and Export Academy Partners - qualified professional services firms with deep FinTech expertise – and will complement the existing export support services available to UK firms through our International Trade Advisors and global network.
To qualify for support, applicants must be UK-based, with an export-ready product or service, and must not yet have operations established in any of the priority markets listed above. Each application for the FinTech Export Academy will be assessed on an individual basis to determine if the firm qualifies for support.
High-growth UK companies – apply now
If you are a high-potential financial technology firm looking to tap into demand for your products and services in the US, Singapore, Australia, Hong Kong, or Canada, we want to hear from you.
Fill out this short survey to apply for your position in the FinTech Export Academy, and secure your opportunity to benefit from free expert guidance and advice.
Other Export support services for UK FinTechs
Further to the FinTech Export Academy, DIT also offers webinars and virtual masterclasses for UK companies looking to start exporting or expand their overseas sales. Find out what’s on offer and register.
Our local trade teams can also offer free advice to help your business trade internationally. Find your local trade office here.
DIT also launched its Leading Edge Global Partnerships Programme last year, designed to identify demand for FinTech expertise within overseas Financial Institutions. If you have an export-ready FinTech solution, please let DIT know by also completing the survey. Here, you will be asked to provide details on your short to medium term international expansion plans.
Established firms can register now to become an Export Academy Partner
If your organisation has expertise in providing FinTechs with tailored advice in legal, tax, regulation, accounting, market entry, or recruitment issues in the above markets, you can register to become an Export Academy Partner and provide bespoke support to some of the UK’s fastest growing FinTech firms as part of the FinTech Export Academy.
To apply, please email us, outlining information about your firm’s international presence and the products and services you provide and we will be delighted to arrange a discussion. All partnership applications will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Eligible Partners will be asked to commit to providing a pre-agreed quota of in-kind support to our FinTech Export Academy cohort. In return, your firm will benefit from a package of DIT partner rights, including brand awareness, the ability to speak at and co-host events.