The FinTech West Conference in Bristol brought together innovators, regulators, investors, and entrepreneurs to explore how financial technology continues to evolve across the UK’s regions. Throughout the day, the themes of trust, data, and responsible innovation resonated strongly, reflecting both the opportunities and challenges shaping the next chapter of fintech.
The event opened with an engaging keynote from Colin Payne, Head of Innovation at the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), who spoke about how regulation can support responsible progress rather than hinder it. He described the transformation of the UK’s financial infrastructure as “modular, data-driven, and built on partnerships,” urging fintechs to see the regulator as an enabler rather than a gatekeeper. Payne shared updates on the FCA’s AI Lab and the newly launched Supercharged Sandbox, developed in collaboration with Nvidia, providing fintechs with access to synthetic data, computing power, and regulatory expertise to test innovations safely.
He also reminded of a forthcoming regional innovation sprint in Leeds, underlining the FCA’s growing commitment to decentralising innovation support across the UK. It was made clear, the future of financial services will be defined by trust, collaboration, and responsible experimentation, and the UK’s regional fintech hubs will play a central role in shaping that future.
The next session, led by Richard Newland, offered a reflective and accessible look at AI in financial services, exploring how businesses can embrace the technology responsibly. Drawing parallels with the early digital revolution, Richard warned against the temptation to adopt AI without clear objectives or return on investment. Instead, he emphasised the need for strong leadership, cultural readiness, and investment in people. It was a reminder of the message that AI will transform organisations, but success will depend on how well leaders manage the change.
A highlight of the morning was a panel discussion chaired by Jennifer Tragner of S&W, featuring Adam Sharpe (Cardstream), Nick Davenport (Loqbox), and Emily Berry (S&W). Their conversation focused on scaling fintechs in the South West, offering a grounded view of what it takes to grow a business outside London.
Adam Sharpe shared the story of Cardstream’s journey from a London-based startup to a thriving Taunton-based payments firm, proving that regional ecosystems can be powerful drivers of growth and innovation. Nick Davenport reflected on his experiences helping fintechs scale sustainably, stressing the importance of clear communication and financial discipline when seeking investment. Emily Berry highlighted how early engagement with advisors and strong financial systems can make or break a fintech’s growth journey. The key takeaway from the panellists is to build your networks early, remain disciplined, and ensure your story is easy to understand.
The discussion on access to funding and talent in the South West revealed how much progress has been made in building regional ecosystems. From Bristol’s thriving science and innovation parks to the growing fintech presence in Taunton and Exeter, the region is demonstrating that innovation doesn’t need to be London-centric.
The conversation then expanded to include insights from BCP Council and Dan Ware, who showcased the emerging fintech ecosystem in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP). With major anchors such as JP Morgan, a growing network of start ups, and three local universities feeding talent into the sector, the South Coast is fast becoming a significant player in the national fintech landscape.
Later in the day, Anita Kimber and Gillian Camm discussed making fintech boards future-fit, sharing practical insights on board composition, diversity, and leadership. They highlighted the growing need for boards that not only bring technical and regulatory expertise but also understand culture, customer perspective, and the value of diverse thinking. It was a timely reminder that good governance is as essential to innovation as great technology.
One of the most memorable presentations came from Loqbox, whose mission to help people build financial wellbeing and improve access to credit resonated strongly with the audience. CEO Tom Eyre shared powerful insights into financial vulnerability in the UK, highlighting how millions struggle to access affordable credit or build savings. His message was a timely reminder that financial health is as essential as physical or mental wellbeing and that fintech’s real impact lies in inclusion, accessibility, and positive social change.
The conference continued on an optimistic note with Charlie Mercer from the Startup Coalition, who reflected on the need for continued collaboration between fintechs and policymakers. He outlined how the UK’s ecosystem has matured to become a global leader in innovation, but stressed that this position can only be maintained through active engagement between startups, regulators, and government.
The next sessions of the day showcased the entrepreneurial energy driving the sector forward. Innovate Finance’s Pitch360 competition gave six promising startups the stage to present ideas that spanned compliance automation, AI-driven insurance analytics, HR fintech, and inclusive financial tools. Among them were AdClear , Behind Login, InsurePulse, Sense Risk, SideUp, and Stratiphy, demonstrating how fintech continues to expand into every corner of business and life. Stratiphy and its CEO, Daniel Gold, were announced as the winners of Pitch360, and received the award from Rob Branch, Head of FinTech Labs Proposition at EY.
Following the networking lunch, an insightful panel brought together Alex Gibbons (Monzo), Fiona Pollard (Monument), and Fred Moss (Octopus Money), chaired by Katharine Finn, formerly of TheCityUK. The discussion explored the rise of remote fintech talent across the South West, including more than 40 Monzo employees based in the region, and the importance of culture, trust, and shared values in building connected, purpose-led teams.
The afternoon also featured a fascinating look at water resilience from Richard Tidswell, who described how FinTech West and UWE Bristol are collaborating on a regional initiative applying fintech thinking to sustainability challenges.
Later, Graeme Burns from Nationwide spoke about the bank’s approach to responsible AI, explaining how purpose sits at the heart of every innovation, including work to identify and support vulnerable customers. The day ended with Rohit Nair, Founder and CEO of Assureful, who shared his vision for a new Insurance Research and Innovation Hub in partnership with UWE and FinTech West, aimed at strengthening the South West’s growing role in the InsurTech sector.
The FinTech West Conference in Bristol was a powerful reminder of how vibrant and connected the UK’s regional fintech communities have become. From the regulatory leadership of the FCA to the entrepreneurial energy of startups across the South West, the event captured a sense of momentum a belief that innovation, inclusion, and trust can shape a more resilient financial future.
As someone attending on behalf of UKFin+, it was inspiring to see so many conversations bridging industry, academia, and policy. The day was a clear reflection of what UKFin+ stands for: connecting people and ideas to drive responsible, inclusive innovation across the UK’s financial ecosystem.
