May 2026
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This conference examined next steps for the UK FinTech sector.
It brought stakeholders and policymakers together to assess priorities emerging from major policy strands aimed at fostering growth in the sector. Discussion focused on priorities for regulation that can effectively support innovation, alongside how stakeholders can benefit from opportunities being offered. We also expected delegates to examine practical considerations firms face as new policy frameworks move from strategy into implementation.
Policy developments, government strategy & regulation
Attendees assessed implications of the Government’s Financial Services Growth and Competitiveness Strategy. It came with implementation of Smart Data provisions in the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 and aims to place the UK’s Open Banking regime on a statutory footing. Next steps for secondary legislation to enable new smart data schemes were discussed, as well as the design of future open finance arrangements. Delegates also examined the Payments Forward Plan, and regulatory approaches to AI and cryptoassets - including how industry is interpreting the emerging direction of travel for payments infrastructure, digital assets and new technologies.
The agenda looked at the interrelation of these strands of policy in practice, including implications of developments in open finance, digital identity, and AI-driven innovations. With the Financial Conduct Authority conducting the Mills Review on the impact of AI on retail financial services, sessions assessed the rollout of data-sharing and payment frameworks that might best support consumer confidence and the interoperability of markets. Questions raised by stakeholders around governance, commercial models and the pace of implementation were also discussed.
Innovation, digital assets & supervision
Discussion brought out latest thinking on approaches to encouraging innovation while managing risk, including the design and operation of the new Scale-Up Unit, the Smart Data Accelerator, and evolving responsibilities for payments oversight, with government expected to soon consult on reform to the regulation of payment services and electronic money. Attendees assessed practical considerations for improving cross‑regulator coordination and early regulatory engagement with firms, including support needed to provide organisations with clearer timelines and sequencing, supervisory expectations, and authorisation guidance.
Looking at the direction of policy for cryptoassets and digital assets, delegates assessed steps required to implement robust rules for exchanges and stablecoins that support consumer protection, investment, and competitiveness, including issues raised by firms around proportionality, authorisation processes and international competitiveness. Priorities for the FCA’s preparatory work on authorisation, custody, disclosure and market abuse requirements were also discussed, including how a regime that supports innovation and growth might be developed, as well as opportunities for the new Wholesale Digital Markets Champion to support adoption of tokenised digital assets.
Investment & capital markets
Delegates considered strategies for supporting investment in the sector. Areas for discussion included implications of new funding commitments through the British Business Bank, priorities for platforms such as the Private Intermittent Securities and Capital Exchange System in broadening access to capital, alongside the contribution of private investment in supporting scale-ups and longer-term growth, and stakeholder views on conditions needed for firms to scale within UK markets.
The agenda also examined the UK’s position in global markets and the pipeline to sustain future competitiveness, including the impact of regulatory certainty, tax environment, and international market access.
Regional development, ecosystems & skills
The conference examined cluster initiatives, mayoral funds, and growth of FinTech ecosystems outside London, and priorities for supporting more balanced development and investment opportunities across the UK, including the role of regional accelerators and local investment networks in supporting emerging firms.
Discussion also assessed the way forward for collaboration between research institutions and industry, as well as practical steps for addressing skills shortages in areas such as data science, AI, engineering, and regulatory compliance. This also included how procurement routes and partnership opportunities can be improved to support firms operating outside major financial centres - and what may be needed from collaboration between universities, investors and growth bodies to sustain regional clusters.
Operational resilience, cybersecurity & market confidence
Further sessions focused on emerging risks and building resilience, looking at preparedness for operational disruption, impact of the EU’s Digital Operational Resilience Act on UK firms, and collaborative initiatives aimed at strengthening cybersecurity and continuity, alongside implications for financial stability and international confidence, as well as practical considerations for firms managing cross‑border regulatory requirements and third‑party technology dependencies.
As well as key stakeholders those attending included parliamentary pass-holders from the House of Commons and officials from the Department for Business and Trade; HM Treasury; HM Revenue and Customs; Department for the Economy, NI; Department of Finance, NI; Department for Transport; Intellectual Property Office; National Crime Agency; Ofcom; National Wealth Fund; the Welsh Government; and The Scottish Government.
