10am – 12pm3 February 2026
10 St Bride Street, London
techUK
Scaling in... is a event series designed to help techUK SME members explore new industries and markets. Each session focuses on a specific sector, providing insights into opportunities, challenges, and practical steps for successfully selling into that market.
The UK’s financial services industry is one of the most competitive and internationally connected in the world, anchored by London as a leading global financial centre and supported by thriving regional hubs in cities like Edinburgh, Manchester, and Leeds. The sector makes a major contribution to the UK economy, generating around £280 billion in economic output (12–13% of GVA), employing nearly 2.5 million people across the country, and delivering a significant trade surplus that underpins the UK’s global economic influence.
The financial services sector offers a major growth opportunity for UK tech firms as one of the country’s largest and most innovation-driven industries, with significant budgets dedicated to digital transformation. Banks, insurers, and asset managers are seeking new technologies to modernise legacy systems, improve customer experience, strengthen security, and meet regulatory requirements—areas where UK tech excels. With London as a global financial centre and a thriving fintech ecosystem supported by progressive regulators, the sector provides a springboard for UK firms to scale, build credibility, and access international markets.
Join us for this in-person event to gain the insights, connections, and strategies you need to successfully engage with banks, insurers, asset managers, and other financial institutions.
This interactive session will explore:
How the financial services sector is evolving and where technology is driving transformation.
The key challenges financial services firms face—and how tech solutions can address them.
Practical advice on navigating procurement, compliance, and partnership models.
Opportunities for SMEs and scaling tech companies to position themselves as trusted partners.
Whether you’re already working with financial services firms or looking to enter the market, this event will help you understand the sector’s needs and connect with the right opportunities to grow.
Speakers
Agenda
TBC
Arrivals
Chair's Opening Remarks
Overview of the Insurance Secto
Panel Discussion: Unlocking Advanced Technologies for Insurance
Technology Spotlight
Chair's Closing Remarks
Networking
Close of Event
James Challinor
Head of Financial Services, techUK
James Challinor
Head of Financial Services, techUK
James leads our financial services programme of activity. He works closely with member firms from across the sector to ensure innovation and technology are fully harnessed and embraced by both industry and regulators.
Prior to joining us James worked at other business organisations including TheCityUK and the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) in roles focused on supporting the financial & related professional services eco-system, with a particular focus on financial technology and market infrastructure.
He holds degrees from King's College London and Oxford Brookes University, and outside of work enjoys socialising, exercising, and travelling to new locations.
Mia joined techUK in September 2023 within the Digital Infrastructure and Climate team(s) before transitioning to the Digital Economy team in April 2024.
Before joining techUK, Mia worked as a Senior Policy Adviser at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) sitting within the Policy Unit.
Mia holds an MSc in International Development from the University of Manchester and a BA(Hons) in Politics and International Relations from the University of Nottingham.
Outside of work, Mia enjoys running, yoga, bouldering and art.
Edward leads the Digital Economy programme at techUK, which includes our work on online safety, fraud, and regulation for growth initiatives.
He has prior experience working for the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and has previously worked for a number of public affairs consultancies specialising in research and strategy, working with leading clients in the technology and financial services sectors.
Programme Manager, SME Engagement and Nations & Regions, techUK
Stephanie Barr
Programme Manager, SME Engagement and Nations & Regions, techUK
Stephanie is the Programme Manager for SME Engagement and Nations & Regions at techUK.
Working across the two programmes, Stephanie develops activities to support the growth and development of tech SMEs and engages with members and stakeholders more broadly to help strengthen regional tech economies.
Prior to joining techUK, Stephanie worked for a political events company and as a Senior Caseworker for an MP. She holds an MA (HONS) in Politics from the University of Glasgow.
Outside of work, Stephanie enjoys travelling, climbing and playing squash.
The techUK Financial Services programme connects tech firms, the FS industry, and regulators to ensure innovation and technology can be fully embraced. Through market engagement activities and events, we help to empower decision makers and aid collaboration.
Join our Digital Asset Working Group
In order to help members shape this exciting area, techUK are convening a working group focused on the landscape surrounding the adoption frameworks and regulatory perimeter of a broad range of digital assets.
Our members develop strong networks, build meaningful partnerships and grow their businesses as we all work together to create a thriving environment where industry, government and stakeholders come together to realise the positive outcomes tech can deliver.
James leads our financial services programme of activity. He works closely with member firms from across the sector to ensure innovation and technology are fully harnessed and embraced by both industry and regulators.
Prior to joining us James worked at other business organisations including TheCityUK and the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) in roles focused on supporting the financial & related professional services eco-system, with a particular focus on financial technology and market infrastructure.
He holds degrees from King's College London and Oxford Brookes University, and outside of work enjoys socialising, exercising, and travelling to new locations.
