Tagged: united kingdom

June 12, 2023 @ 9:57 am By JD Alois  |  

Anne Boden, an iconic Fintech CEO who is the founder of digital bank Starling Bank, revealed that she would be stepping down from the bank last month. Recently, more information on the exit of Boden has been revealed. Reportedly, Boden decided to step down from… Read More

June 12, 2023 @ 8:42 am By Omar Faridi  |  

PensionBee, an online pension provider, recently launched its State Pension Age Calculator, designed “to help savers evaluate if they can retire before they’re eligible to receive the State Pension.” The age people can “claim their State Pension has risen significantly since 2010 when the entitlement… Read More

June 12, 2023 @ 8:38 am By Omar Faridi  |  

Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) announced that it will open its first international office in London and that it is planning the next Crypto Startup School accelerator program “to take place in the UK in Spring 2024.” a16z’s U.K. office will allow it “to work closely with… Read More

June 10, 2023 @ 12:28 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

ClearBank, the enabler of real-time clearing and embedded banking for financial institutions, today announced its partnership with Allica Bank, the fintech challenger bank dedicated to supporting established UK small and medium businesses. Allica Bank was founded “to serve established UK SMEs (businesses with 10-250 employees)… Read More

June 9, 2023 @ 4:03 pm By JD Alois  |  

UK Property finance platform LendInvest says that it has completed a mortgage offer in just three days. The financing was provided to a couple looking to purchase a home. For anyone who has pursued a mortgage, three days sounds like a miracle – depending on… Read More

June 9, 2023 @ 10:22 am By JD Alois  |  

The British Business Bank has hired a new risk officer. Established in November 2014, the Bank is the UK government’s economic development bank aiming to drive growth and prosperity. The British Business Bank has selected Chantal Geall as its new Chief Risk Officer (CRO), effective from… Read More

June 8, 2023 @ 11:36 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

Griffin, the UK’s full-stack Banking as a Service platform, announced that it has raised $13.5 million (£11 million) in a Series A funding round “led by global VC firm, MassMutual Ventures, with participation from existing investors Seedcamp, Notion Capital and EQT Ventures.” This investment round… Read More

June 8, 2023 @ 11:46 am By JD Alois  |  

As was previously covered, the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has proposed new marketing rules for crypto offerings. The rules aim to largely align with current financial product requirements while also incorporating a “cooling off period.” In brief, digital asset investors must acknowledge they can… Read More

June 7, 2023 @ 10:53 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

Archax, the FCA regulated digital asset exchange, broker, and custodian, today announced the appointment of Ben Zennou as its new Head of Crypto Sales. Reporting into the CRO, Zennou will be “responsible for leading the company’s continued growth in crypto markets, including the establishment of… Read More

June 7, 2023 @ 10:42 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

NatWest Group has completed its acquisition of a majority shareholding in workplace savings and pensions fintech, Cushon. In February 2023, NatWest Group agreed “to acquire 85% of Cushon for £144m, with 15% retained by Cushon management.” This acquisition was subsequently “approved by the FCA in… Read More

June 7, 2023 @ 8:30 pm By JD Alois  |  

The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has issued new rules for crypto promotions. The rules are said to align with other financial services offerings. CryptoUK, an association representing the UK’s digital asset industry, has issued a statement on the marketing rules. Su Carpenter, Director of… Read More

June 7, 2023 @ 7:01 pm By JD Alois  |  

The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has introduced new rules for the digital asset or crypto asset industry. The FCA describes the new rules as “tough,” incorporating a “cooling off period” for new investors – commencing on October 8, 2023. The marketing rules are part… Read More

June 7, 2023 @ 11:09 am By JD Alois  |  

CrowdProperty is backing the £16 million development of a former Hallmark Card manufacturing facility that will be transformed into 137 apartments. According to the investment platform, CrowdProperty has agreed to a total development finance facility of £9,250,000 over an 18-month term. The developer is said… Read More

June 7, 2023 @ 9:35 am By Barry James  |  

Reservations, Threats & Benefits In a recent conversation with Danny Kruger, a member of the Treasury Select Committee, we delved into the Bank of England’s Digital Pound Project and the broader implications of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs). This discussion is particularly timely, given that… Read More

June 7, 2023 @ 8:56 am By Omar Faridi  |  

The Joint Regulatory Oversight Committee (JROC) has recently set out an ambitious program of work “to take forward recommendations for the next phase of open banking in the UK.” This involves “setting up dedicated workstreams to action the six key themes and priorities outlined in… Read More

June 7, 2023 @ 5:11 am By Omar Faridi  |  

Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) has reportedly appointed Theo Michalopoulos as General Manager, Financial Services for the United Kingdom. In his role, Theo will be responsible for leading “the Financial Services industry for the UK across banking, capital markets and insurance.” Theo will be joining the Microsoft… Read More

June 6, 2023 @ 11:52 am By JD Alois  |  

Peer-to-peer lender Folk2Folk is reporting its fourth year of profitability. According to the UK-based secured lender, pre-tax profit came in at £1.373 million for its 2022 financial year, marking four consecutive years of profitability. In addition, the company is issuing dividend payments to shareholders for… Read More

June 6, 2023 @ 7:19 am By Omar Faridi  |  

Digital bank Zopa has announced the appointment of Pippa Lambert to its Board, pending regulatory approval. A senior leader “with 25 years of experience at high growth, listed companies, Pippa will Chair Zopa’s Remuneration Committee and oversee the bank’s people agenda including culture, rewards and… Read More

June 6, 2023 @ 1:45 am By Barry James  |  

An Urgent Call for Good Governance In light of the latest phase of the ongoing – ‘Great Debate” on the Remaking of Money – ‘The Great Digital £ Debate’ during May and into June – it is clear that the advent of Central Bank Digital… Read More

June 5, 2023 @ 10:21 am By JD Alois  |  

A UK All-Party Parliament Group (APPG) has published a report on crypto or digital assets. In brief, the report states that crypto is here to stay and requires comprehensive regulation. The report is entitled ‘Realising Government’s Vision for the UK To Become a Global Hub… Read More