Building the Future of Finance: IFGS 2025 in Review

The curtain has closed on another fantastic Innovate Finance Global Summit!

With over 200 speakers across 4 dynamic stages, it was a privilege to welcome 1,500 attendees to the Guildhall yesterday to explore the latest trends, challenges, and innovative opportunities across technology and financial services.

City of London Alderman and CEO of Augmentum, Tim Levene, opened the event emphasising the strategic importance of FinTech in the economy of tomorrow, highlighting the depth and dynamism of the UK’s FinTech ecosystem - from innovation in banking and lending, to payments and RegTech.

Innovate Finance CEO, Janine Hirt, welcomed the recognition of FinTech as a sector of strategic importance as the government prepares its highly-anticipated new industrial strategy. She presented a passionate plea for an environment that keeps FinTech moving forward and faster through more efficient regulation, access to growth capital, and measures that incentivise founders to select and stay in the UK, thanking FCA CEO Nikhil Rathi for the open and constructive meeting with the Unicorn Council that morning.

Janine continued with the announcement of the new RegTech Strategy Group in partnership with the City of London Corporation and EY to work on financial crime compliance and Digital ID building on Innovate Finance’s recent launch of Regtech UK; and a new report on how to make Britain the global hub for stablecoin innovation and growth following on from Innovate Finance’s new partnership with the Digital Pound Foundation.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rt Hon Rachel Reeves MP, addressed the global FinTech community gathered at IFGS, responding immediately to our report with action and ambition by announcing new draft legislation for the UK’s comprehensive regulatory regime for cryptoassets and US - UK discussions on a digital assets regulatory bridge. The Chancellor shared her vision for the UK where firms can take risks, innovate, and experiment to better serve their customers, and reaffirmed the Government's commitment to back the builders and changemakers of UK FinTech all the way.

Strong participation from policymakers and regulators throughout the day reinforced their dedication to working with the sector in an enabling environment. Shadow Economic Secretary to the Treasury Mark Garnier MP outlined the Opposition’s support for issues critical to the continued growth of FinTech and innovation including accelerating the regulation of stablecoin and launching a comprehensive anti-fraud strategy.

The FCA Chief Data, Information and Intelligence Officer, Jessica Rusu, announced the launch of a new live AI testing service to help companies deploy safe and responsible AI. Deputy Governor Dave Ramsden discussed the Bank of England’s role in wholesale payments infrastructure and innovation, with work ongoing to enhance the Bank’s real-time settlement systems. Chief Executive of Open Banking Limited, Henk van Hulle, announced over 30 firms have now committed to invest in the new operating entity to run commercial variable recurring payments.

Industry discussions with the London Stock Exchange positively recognised the ongoing role of the British Business Bank, and looked forward to the new PISCES regime and further developments in the Mansion House Compact increasing access to capital across the sector.

FinTech leaders  - from Allicia Bank, Funding Circle, iwoca, Square, Wise, Zopa, Zilch, OpenPayd, 10x and so many more - took to the stage sharing their experiences, ambitions and asks for the future. Geopolitical uncertainty and macroeconomic developments were at the forefront of minds, but firms emphasised the resilience they have built and displayed an acceptance that change is now constant.

Co-Founder and Board Director Charles McManus shared his key lessons from successfully scaling ClearBank, from taking regulators with you on the journey, to securing investors that understand innovation and align to back you through the good and the bad, following a packed roundtable on ClearBank’s new report on what FinTechs need to succeed.

The amazing atmosphere at IFGS 2025 confirmed the unique value of the Global Summit as a place where decision-makers meet, connections are made, and the industry speaks and is heard. The future of FinTech is bright, and yesterday’s discussions, connections, and collaborations will surely play a significant role in driving forward the next wave of innovation.

With thanks to all our sponsors including Platinum Sponsor ClearBank and Gold Sponsors Microsoft, London Stock Exchange, and the Department for Business and Trade, to our media partners, event partner SevenHill, and to the City of London for your ongoing partnership and support once again hosting us at the iconic Guildhall.

We look forward to seeing you next year for another inspiring edition of the Innovate Finance Global Summit. Mark your calendar for 21 April 2026!