Jonathan Beaverstock, Professor of International Management at the University of Bristol, joins FinTech West as Knowledge Exchange Fellow, funded by the Economic and Social Research Council, bringing social science expertise to the team supporting Bristol, Bath and the Southwest to become a FinTech superpower.

The fellowship role has been funded to facilitate knowledge exchange between academia and industry leaders in the FinTech cluster. Having been involved with the FinTech West advisory board since its inception, Jonathan will provide thought leadership and lead the ‘Learning from London’ project designed to take lessons from FinTech excellence in the capital to accelerate cluster growth as a centre of excellence here in the Southwest.

The announcement comes at a pivotal time, as research suggests an overwhelming desire of many involved in FinTech in the region to work together to resolve key societal challenges being faced. For example, using technology to overcome digital and financial exclusion, is being exacerbated as living costs continue to rise. This perfectly aligns with the region's already established specialisms of wealth tech and tech for good.

FinTech West is fully committed to promoting the use of tech as a source for good, focusing on financial inclusion in its most recent event, “Consumer Duty” which looked at how FinTech can help support vulnerable customers.

Commenting on his appointment Jonathan said: “Bringing knowledge and interest in the role of clusters and FinTech, I’m looking forward to this role and contributing to FinTech clustering, innovation and thinking to fuel growth in the South West post-pandemic.

“Economic challenges will continue and the role of fintech innovators focused on closing the gaps in digital and tech access will be crucial to help benefit all of Bristol and Bath’s communities”.

Founding director of FinTech West and Associate Director at Whitecap Consulting Stuart Harrison adds: “It’s time to take FinTech and the impact it can have on society to the next level. There’s lots of discussion about levelling up and the FinTech West community is in a strong position to lead on innovations to drive digital and financial inclusion, initiatives that can be taken and replicated across the country.

Securing Jon’s skills brings a fresh perspective, expertise, and connections to our team. We’re excited to see what the next chapter of our growth journey will bring.”

And the work of FinTech West has already begun to gain regional recognition. Earlier in June it received Highly Commended in the Financial category of the Bristol Life Awards, coming second only to FTSE 100 company, Hargreaves Lansdown.