Wales Launches 2024/25 FinTech Report and Announces First Festival

Wales Accelerates Fintech Growth with 2024/25 Annual Report and First Fintech Festival

FinTech Wales has published its Fintech in Wales Annual Report 2024/25, marking its fifth and most comprehensive industry report to date. Alongside the publication, the organisation has announced plans to host Wales’ first Fintech Festival in 2026, signalling a major milestone for the nation’s rapidly expanding financial technology sector.

Both announcements underscore Wales’ position as one of the UK’s most dynamic fintech ecosystems, with rising investment, expanding workforces and world-first innovations contributing to a strong outlook heading into 2026.

Key Insights from the 2024/25 FinTech Wales Annual Report

Strong Investment Activity Across Welsh Fintechs

More than £20 million has been raised by Welsh fintech companies so far in 2025, supported by active pre-seed, early-stage and growth rounds. Startups including Driverly, Finalrentals, and Unity Accountancy have each secured six-figure funding rounds this year.

Wales Drives Global Innovation

Card-tech innovator Burbank completed a £5 million seed round to deliver its world-first Card Present over Internet (CPoI) payment solution. Compliance specialist Credas further reinforced Wales’ reputation for identity and verification innovation with its reusable Compliance Wallet.

Major Growth Capital Secured

Ethical finance platform Zero successfully closed two crowdfunding rounds in 2025, raising £757,000 in October alone, bringing total funding to more than £3.9 million.

Landmark £1.5 Billion Funding for Propel Finance

In July 2025, Propel Finance completed a £1.5 billion funding round to support thousands of SMEs. Propel has been recognised by Asset Finance UK 50 for achieving the Fastest Sustained Growth by an Asset Finance Lender for three consecutive years.

Expanding Employment and Regional Growth

Demand for fintech talent continues to rise, particularly in risk and compliance, fraud prevention, cybersecurity, and platform engineering roles. Creditsafe announced plans to create 300 new finance roles at its new Cardiff headquarters, further strengthening Wales’ talent pipeline.

Continued National and Global Expansion

Growing Welsh fintech brands such as Finalrentals, Bikmo, and Delio are expanding internationally, raising Wales’ profile on the global fintech stage.

Leadership Commentary: A Defining Year for Welsh Fintech

Sarah Jones, CEO of FinTech Wales, highlighted the sector’s strong momentum:“It’s been a fantastic year for fintech in Wales, and this report shows a sector that is not only growing but leading, innovating and expanding globally. Launching Wales’ first Fintech Festival is the natural next step. The world is watching, and Wales is ready.”

Sarah Williams-Gardener, Chair of FinTech Wales, emphasised Wales’ growing impact:“Wales has resilience and innovation at its core. The launch of the festival marks another major milestone, signalling a sector accelerating with confidence and economic impact.”

During the Welsh Government’s Investment Summit, fintech pioneer Nigel Morris, co-founder of Capital One and Managing Partner at QED Investors, expressed strong support for the festival, noting the global potential of Welsh fintech firms.

Rebecca Evans, Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, added that the festival will build on Wales’ rising international reputation across innovation-driven sectors.

Wales’ First Fintech Festival: What to Expect

Set to take place in 2026, the festival will be the nation’s first event dedicated solely to financial technology and financial services innovation. It will showcase insights from the annual report, exploring key themes such as:

• Fintech investment and scaling

• Skills and talent development

• Financial inclusion

• Fintech for good and sustainability

• Net zero and green finance

• Fraud, cyber, crime prevention

• Artificial intelligence

• Insurtech and emerging technologies

The primary goal is to expand the reach of Welsh fintech, attract new audiences, and forge new connections across Wales, the UK, and global markets.

Conclusion

With record-breaking investments, world-first innovations, and a landmark Fintech Festival on the horizon, Wales is rapidly establishing itself as a leading fintech hub. The 2024/25 Annual Report confirms a sector that is accelerating with strength, ambition and global influence—setting the stage for a transformative 2026.