Spotlight falls on AI and connectivity at Leeds fintech gathering

Authorities in Leeds have partnered with the creators of FinTech North on an events programme to showcase and enhance the city’s financial and professional services sectors.

The first of the FinTech North-branded events was held at the new Platform building on New Station Street, where speakers and panelists discussed topics such as artificial intelligence, connectivity, infrastructure, talent and cryptocurrencies.

More than 100 fintech enthusiasts from Leeds and the surrounding region came to Bruntwood’s flagship development for the talks.

The event was opened by Leeds City Council’s deputy leader, Cllr James Lewis, who said: “The financial and professional Services sector employs 93k people in Leeds – 21.2% of all Leeds workers. We are the UK’s largest centre for financial and business services outside London, with over 30 national and international banks having a base in the city.

“We have set out the potential for Leeds to be a major centre of excellence for fintech, and we will continue to explore the application of new technologies including blockchain, artificial intelligence and machine learning in the sector.”

He added: “A continuing series of events with Fintech North will enhance the council’s engagement with the fintech community, and also help raise the Leeds profile, attracting further investment and talent to the region.”

FinTech North was founded in 2016 in a collaboration between Leeds-based strategy and planning consultancy Whitecap Consulting and lender rebuildingsociety.com.

Julian Wells of Whitecap Consulting commented: “We’re delighted to have the support of Leeds City Council to help put FinTech firmly at the heart of the northern digital economy – particularly the Leeds City Region – making it attractive to UK and international organisations.

“We are looking forward to playing our part in increasing the profile, capability and economic value of FinTech in the region.”