Challenger lender Koto launches in the UK for left-behind consumers December 2, 2020 A challenger lender focused on providing credit to freelancers and self-employed has today launched in the UK following an investment round. Koto, authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority, has closed a £1.3m funding round which it says it will use to expand and acquire its first 50,000 users. Kotto hopes to cater to “near prime” [...]
Without an eye on social value, Europe risks losing the global fintech race November 30, 2020 Europe has been left behind in Big Tech. The scene is overwhelmingly dominated by US companies, with China potentially coming up from the rear. The question is whether Europe has the potential to avoid the same fate in digital finance — a sector that is likely to play a big role in future economic development. [...]
‘Break’ London banks and give us access to data: fintech firms tell FCA November 24, 2020 A coalition of primarily London startups is calling on UK regulators to end the dominance of banking institutions over the use of consumer data as it would increase competition in the savings, credit, mortgages and pensions markets. The Coalition for a Digital Economy (Coadec), an advocacy group that represent a number of UK fintech firms [...]
Klarna-challenger Zilch becomes first ‘buy now pay later’ firm to secure FCA licence November 23, 2020 The City regulator has issued its first licence to a Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL)company, months after launching an inquiry into the unsecured credit market. London-based Zilch has become the first company in the UK’s BNPL market to become fully licensed by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Zilch has worked with the regulator for over [...]
Starling becomes first challenger to make a profit November 20, 2020 Starling has become the first of the challenger banks to break even as its rivals record mounting losses, with plans to expand across Europe. Positioned as challengers, digital banks Monzo, Starling and Revolut have faced criticism from investors and the Bank of England for failing to deliver profit. But in a trading update today, Starling [...]
Regulator issues warning on fintech Lanistar for unauthorised services November 18, 2020 Update: 9:07pm Friday 20/11: The FCA have withdrawn their warning after changes by Lanistar. The Financial Conduct Authority has accused the much-hyped fintech Lanistar of offering unauthorised financial services. Founded by Gurhan Kiziloz, Lanistar this week launched an influencer campaign claiming to be the “world’s most secure card”. But the regulator today has warned that [...]
Augmentum Fintech raises £28m in oversubscribed placing October 30, 2020 Listed venture capital firm Augmentum Fintech hit its £28m fundraising target through an oversubscribed share placing launched this week. The firm said demand from both existing and new investors exceeded the maximum issue and applications have been scaled back accordingly. Augmentum Fintech raised £28m through the issue of 23.37m shares at 120 pence each. The [...]
Exclusive: These are the top 50 London startups to work for October 29, 2020 An insurtech startup that has raised just £13m to date is the best startup to work for in London, according to new research. The incentive-based life insurance platform Yulife is the best London-based startup to work for, according to research by recruitment platform Tempo. The startup, which employs just 61 people, has been recognised for [...]
UK maintains position as leader of Europe’s fintech community October 28, 2020 The UK continues to reign as the leader of Europe’s fintech community as investment among its peers lags behind. Investors in the UK’s fintechs remain bullish even as the country heads towards a no-deal Brexit, according to new figures from the Association for Financial Markets in Europe (AFME). The AFME’s ranking is based on a [...]
GPS points way for fintech’s future October 21, 2020 | Sponsored When the government launched the independent review of the UK’s fintech sector three months ago, the mood music was warmly received by Joanne Dewar. “The UK is one of the leading places in the world to start and grow a fintech firm, and I am determined to ensure this continues,” John Glen, economic secretary to [...]