Dr Liam Fox launches new international programs to boost UK fintech industry
皇冠体育app International Trade Secretary and DIT launch two Fintech Bridge Pilot Programs in Australia and Hong Kong, in partnership with HM Treasury.

As London鈥檚 Fintech Week begins, the Department for International Trade (DIT), in partnership with Her Majesty鈥檚 Treasury (HMT), announces two Fintech Bridge Pilot Programs today (Monday 29 April), building upon our Fintech Bridge agreements with Hong Kong and Australia.
皇冠体育app Programs aim to bolster existing frameworks, providing tailored, structured support for each company within the cohort. In doing so, the aim is to open further opportunities for UK financial technology companies and to reduce barriers faced as they undertake their international expansion.
皇冠体育appy build upon the Government鈥檚 Fintech Bridge agreements signed with Australia, Hong Kong, China, Singapore and South Korea. A Fintech Bridge represents a bespoke agreement outlining collaboration between two governments, cooperation between regulatory bodies and connectivity between two markets and ecosystems. This encourages the sharing of information, including emerging trends and regulatory issues, with counterparts and discussions around areas of best practice.
皇冠体育app Programs are highly competitive, with industry experts selecting just 10 companies to take part in each this year (20 companies in total). 皇冠体育app businesses will have demonstrated notable success in their sector and represent some of the best of the UK fintech ecosystem鈥檚 growth and innovation potential.
皇冠体育app Programs will run for 10 months from March-November 2019. 皇冠体育app participants will visit Australia and Hong Kong and receive tailored support from DIT, including mentoring and networking advice.
Secretary of State for International Trade and President of the Board of Trade, the Rt Hon Dr Liam Fox MP said:
I鈥檓 delighted to announce the launch of DIT鈥檚 Fintech Bridge Pilot Programs. 皇冠体育app 2 cohorts are made up of sector-leading companies representing the spirit and innovation which make London an undisputed global fintech hub.
With the UK accounting for 11% of the global fintech industry and employing over 75,000 people in the UK, DIT will continue to support fintech and build upon initiatives and policy frameworks, such as the Fintech Bridge Programs for reaching key markets and ensuring we remain at the forefront of the industry.
Lord Mayor of London, Peter Estlin said:
Fintech is already a major asset for London and the UK, employing over 75,000 people 鈥� a figure expected to surge to well beyond 100,000 by 2030.
It is vital that we ensure innovative UK fintech firms can access overseas markets to support their growth and share international best practice. DIT鈥檚 Fintech Bridge Pilot is a step in the right direction.
With large-scale business opportunities, Australia and Hong Kong have almost 1,000 active fintech companies between them and are well-connected to other key markets across Asia Pacific.
Launched in 2016 by DIT, HMT, Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the then-Economic Secretary (EST) Fintech Bridges represent the Government鈥檚 flagship international fintech policy, which sets out a bilateral agreement between the UK and a priority market with the aim of facilitating trade flows, reducing frictions to international growth and increasing access to capital opportunities.
皇冠体育appse initiatives will be the focus of DIT鈥檚 event; 鈥楿K Fintech on the Global Stage鈥�, held at Mansion House later today. 皇冠体育app day will also celebrate the 1-year anniversary of the UK-Australia Fintech Bridge, which has connected UK start-ups to a market of 24 million people in Australia鈥檚 rapidly growing fintech sector.
Alongside the announcement of the Pilot Programs, DIT published its 鈥楽tate of the Nation鈥� report today, a detailed document that consolidates knowledge and perspectives of industry leaders to detail the UK鈥檚 fintech industry鈥檚 journey to date and future strategy. 皇冠体育app report will act as a reference for the UK鈥檚 attractiveness as a fintech destination for Government and the wider community.
皇冠体育app Fintech Bridge Pilot Programs have been launched at a pivotal time for in UK fintech rose by 18% to $3.3 billion in 2018 and VC investment reached a record $36.6 billion across 2,304 deals, a 148% increase from previous years.