The Institute of Directors (IoD), a UK-based organisation for company directors, senior business leaders and entrepreneurs, has launched a group specifically for the fintech and finance industry.
The IoD’s Finance and Fintech Group intends to become a centre of excellence for all leaders within the financial or fintech sectors. The group has three core objectives it aims to fulfil: ‘connect’, ‘develop’ and ‘influence’. Ultimately, the group aim is to bring those people together with shared interests and facilitate a learning experience between them. The group also wants to create a platform to influence the IoD policy teams and opinion leaders in the industry.
The group was launched in the Carlton Room at Pall Mall in London. It hosted a number of influential individuals from the fintech and banking sectors. The event included speeches and chances for members to network.
John McLean OBE, chair of the IoD in London, spoke at the event: “UK fintech is world-class. It is the leader in Europe and internationally in driving positive change throughout the financial sector.
“It is my pleasure today to be at the launch of the IoD’s fintech group to mark the start of another centre of excellence under the leadership of its chair, Yvonne de Ville.
“Fintech contributes significantly to the UK economy and generates over 80,000 jobs. In a time when Global UK is starting to find its feet, I believe that the IoD’s fintech group can contribute to our country. Today I am pleased to add that we have a new special interest group that will help directors represent the fintech sector.”
Fintech continues to grow across the UK
Yvonne de Ville, chair of the IoD’s Finance and Fintech Group, also spoke at the event. She specifically referenced the strength of fintech, not only throughout London but also across the entirety of the UK. De Ville said: “London has been a key driver in the United Kingdom’s fintech success story. As the second-highest-ranking fintech ecosystem globally, it has the world’s highest concentration of financial and professional services firms.
“Often the headlines about fintech successes focus on London-based firms. However, fintech as a sector is growing across the United Kingdom. From Belfast to Durham, Edinburgh to Cardiff, and from Bristol to Birmingham, there is a significant amount of fintech activity.
“Therefore, it is only logical to have the IoD Finance and Fintech Group as a centre of excellence for leaders and entrepreneurs who share this common interest and passion.”
The group is holding another event in November at the same location. The event welcomes Alan Sellers, founder of Your Crypto Coach to take part in a Q&A. The next networking event aims to teach members about cryptocurrency and blockchain.
