FinTech North returns to Newcastle

A North East business conference will shine a spotlight on the region’s flourishing fintech sector and the opportunities driving its continued growth.

FinTech North will return to Newcastle on July 14 for its annual conference, taking place at Wylam Brewery in partnership with Mastercard, DXC Technology and the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority.

The event will examine developments across payments, banking, data and artificial intelligence, while highlighting the North East’s expanding fintech ecosystem.

Speakers will include representatives from Atom Bank, Sage and the Newcastle United Foundation, with discussions focusing on fintech innovation, social mobility, community impact and inclusion, alongside predictions for the industry’s next decade. 

The conference will also provide opportunities for collaboration between established businesses, startups, policymakers and academic institutions.

The conference comes as the North East continues to strengthen its position as a fintech hub. 

According to Whitecap Consulting, the region is home to almost 50 fintech companies employing more than 3900 people, while Barclays Eagle Labs has identified the North East as one of the UK’s fastest-growing regions for new business creation, recording growth of 24.4 per cent.

Collaboration between businesses, universities, innovation hubs and public sector organisations has helped drive that growth, creating an environment that supports innovation and responds quickly to emerging industry challenges.

The region has also attracted major financial services businesses, including Virgin Money, which has expanded its presence in the North East, supported by the area’s digital infrastructure and cost-effective data centres.

Last year’s conference welcomed around 140 delegates, with more than a third comprising founders and C-suite executives. 

Organisers expect another strong turnout of industry leaders, entrepreneurs and investors, underlining Newcastle’s growing reputation for fintech innovation.

Joe Roche, general manager of FinTech North, said: “In recent years, the fintech industry in the North East has experienced a rapid evolution boosted by progressive innovation, lower operating costs and a culture of collaboration. 

“That’s what makes this region stand out: businesses, universities and public partners are all working together to share their expertise and spark new ideas to tackle the market’s challenges. 

“The North East is a key catalyst vehicle to promote the development of fintechs, as it offers a collaborative ecosystem where business networks support their growth through innovation, as well as knowledge-and-skill-sharing across the finance and technology sector.”

Tickets for the event are available to buy here.

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