The City of London Corporation is tomorrow (13 Feb) hosting a series of seminars, presentations and networking opportunities for a delegation of nearly 50 European-wide fintech companies. The aim is to showcase the strengths of the UK’s fintech offer and demonstrate why either setting up a fintech firm or doing business here is the number one option in Europe.

Firms from Spain, Italy, Poland, Greece, Cyprus, Portugal, Ireland, Czech Republic, Luxembourg, Belgium, Austria, France, Israel & Germany will be represented at the two-day visit, organised in conjunction with the UK’s Department for International Trade (DIT) and Foreign & Commonwealth Office.

The delegation will gain a better understanding of the UK’s fintech offer and be briefed on the UK’s regional strengths & opportunities, the possible Brexit implications for the industry, and receive advice on the Financial Conduct Authority’s application process, tax, regulation and research and design incentives.

Fintech in the UK contributed £6.6bn to the economy in 2016 and employs over 60,000 people. Developed financial markets and readily available capital and investment, Government backing and engagement, a predictable and sound regulatory environment, talented workers and world-class infrastructure are all cited as reasons for the UK’s leading global position.

The delegation will also attend a bell ringing ceremony at the London Stock Exchange on Wednesday, while the rest of second day of the programme will take place at Natwest’s offices at Bishopsgate.

Policy Chairman at the City of London Corporation, Catherine McGuinness, said:

“The UK is the global leader for fintech for a number of reasons. The City has supported this growth from the start and we have seen a number of firms become world leaders in recent years.

“We want to do all we can to make sure we support this growth, encourage firms to set up their businesses here in the UK and help drive forward this innovative and constantly evolving industry. Events like today will help us keep our cutting edge in the world of fintech.”

Graham Stuart, Minister for Investment, Department for International Trade, said:

“We’re delighted to welcome the next generation of fintech innovators to showcase the world-leading talent the UK has to offer.

“The UK is a thriving fintech hub, receiving a record high amount of investment in 2017. As an international economic department, DIT is on hand globally to support companies as they look to the UK as their partner of choice.”

Notes to editors

1. The list of companies in the delegation include:

Austria - 360Kompany gmbh, Stormhedge, Handcheque, Bitpanda, Austrian Startups

Belgium/Luxembourg – Awingu, Elimity, CarPay-Diem, EMPCorp, SnapSwap, KYC3

Czech Republic – Twisto, FinGood, Rossum

Cyprus – Cyprus Investment Funds Association, Hellenic Bank

France – Cardabel, Estimeo, Sismo/Valphi

Germany - Deposit Solutions, N26

Greece - Oseven Telematics, Profile Software, Viva

Ireland - Treasury Delta, Assure Hedge

Israel – BondIT, PayKey, Simplex, OurCrowd

Italy - BE Consulting, Epic, Satispay

Poland - VoicePIN.com, FinanTeq, IC Solutions

Portugal – Loqr, Ikauf, Switchpayments

Spain – Housers, Accurate Quant, Quotanda, Rollbox, toQ.

2. About the City of London Corporation:

The City of London Corporation provides local government and policing services for the financial and commercial heart of Britain, the 'Square Mile'. In addition, the City Corporation has three roles:

• We support London’s communities by working in partnership with neighbouring boroughs on economic regeneration, education and skills. In addition, the City of London Corporation’s charitable funder, City Bridge Trust, makes grants of around £20 million annually to tackle disadvantage across London.

• We also help look after key London heritage and green spaces including Tower Bridge, the Museum of London, Barbican Arts Centre, City gardens, Hampstead Heath, Epping Forest, Burnham Beeches, and important commons in London.

• We also support and promote the ‘City’ as a world-leading financial and business hub, with outward and inward business delegations, high-profile civic events and research-driven policies, all reflecting a long-term approach.

See www.cityoflondon.gov.uk for more details.