Tech unicorn bubble? When building a business, watch out or you could end up swimming with sharks November 18, 2015 We see it all the time: the latest tech darling pouring time and money into raising their profile. The company sponsors every event going, turn up to panels flanked by more advisors than a politician and their picture is in every newspaper going. Don't get me wrong. In many cases this is deserved attention, as good [...]
Blockchain is the single biggest fintech innovation of the decade November 12, 2015 Despite the enormous attention being lavished on digital currencies such as bitcoin, the reality of the situation is we won’t see one hit the mainstream for many years. Before central banks commit to issuing a digital pound or dollar they will need to be assured about several factors, including proof that there are no vulnerabilities [...]
Fintech revolution: Visa and Bank of America file the most fintech patents November 11, 2015 There’s a fintech revolution going on – but who’s at the forefront of it? New patent figures reveal that Visa has filed by far the most fintech patents, soaring 20 per cent ahead of its nearest rival, Bank of America. Data from Aistemos and Relecura shows which companies hold the most patents, providing an overview of [...]
London beats Amsterdam, Berlin and Paris to be named best city in Europe for digital startups – Nesta November 9, 2015 London has been named as the best city in Europe for digital startups, according to Nesta’s European Digital City Index. The capital beat rivals Paris, Berlin and Amsterdam to be named as the number one destination for digital entrepreneurs looking to start and scale up a digital business. This comes as the Mayor of London [...]
Fintech start-up acquirer Silver Falcon to float on London Stock Market November 9, 2015 Silver Falcon, a shell investment company that is aiming to acquire fintech start-ups is today floating on the London Stock Market. The newly formed company is aiming to take advantage of London’s booming fintech startup scene, that in September City AM reported had seen record investment so far in 2015 of £357m. The directors of Silver [...]
City A.M. Awards 2015: Celebrating the best of the business world November 2, 2015 It has been a memorable year for the City, with milestones seemingly being met every week. In the last few months alone we’ve reported on some impressive trends and grounds for celebration. Financial services are powering a jobs boom, with employment in the City at an all time high. London’s tech sector has attracted record amounts [...]
London is Europe’s science and tech capital, and this is why I chose to invest in it October 28, 2015 London is on the up. The capital’s population has hit an historic high at 8.6m people. The Mayor of London’s office predicts that by 2050 that number will reach 11m, with London serving as a magnet for talent from across the globe. But London’s success also creates significant issues: not least how to create jobs [...]
Move over bankers: Fintech workers have seen some of the fastest salary growth this year October 26, 2015 They may not yet be on a par with bankers, but the UK's tech workers shared a bonus pot of £3.25bn in 2015, while their basic salaries have grown five per cent over the last financial year. The average IT worker's bonus is £6,681, equivalent to 12 per cent of average salary, which is up [...]
Are the CMA’s provisional recommendations enough to increase competition in the banking sector? October 22, 2015 Omar Ali, head of UK financial services at EY, says Yes The CMA’s provisional remedies will encourage competition in a market that’s already much more competitive than it was. We now have several credible challenger banks, a burgeoning fintech sector and a switching service better than most markets. But the CMA is right to [...]
Now Virgin Money is getting into the money transfer business October 19, 2015 Challenger bank Virgin Money is expanding its services and getting into the money transfer business for the first time, underpinned by technology from fintech startup World First. The new service will let customers make international transfers with no transfer fees and Virgin promising to offer better rates than quotes offered by high street banks. Virgin Money [...]