With the FinTech North Liverpool Conference just around the corner, we caught up with Joe Roche, General Manager of FinTech North, for a virtual coffee to discuss the upcoming event, the growing FinTech ecosystem in Liverpool, and our collaboration as annual partners and members of the LCR FinTech Growth Group.
At DTM Legal, we are proud to support FinTech North as it fosters innovation and collaboration across the North of England. As partners, we’ve worked together on multiple events, contributing to the growth of Liverpool’s FinTech sector, which has seen remarkable expansion in recent years. The upcoming FinTech North Liverpool Conference promises to be another milestone in this journey, bringing together industry leaders, innovators, and policymakers to discuss the future of FinTech in the region.
The Growth of FinTech in Liverpool
Joe highlighted the significant progress Liverpool has made in recent years, citing a 2023 Whitecap Consulting report that identified over 40 FinTechs in the city, generating £200 million GVA for the local economy. Just a few years ago, only a handful of FinTech companies were known to be operating in the city—this rapid growth is a testament to the ecosystem’s potential.
Key factors driving FinTech success in Liverpool include:
- Strong specialisms in WealthTech and InsurTech, reflecting the city’s historical strengths in wealth and asset management.
- A growing number of homegrown FinTech startups.
- Engagement from global brands such as Monzo, Rathbones, and Santander, as well as the Metro Mayor, Steve Rotheram.
- The impact of initiatives like Baltic Ventures, an accelerator supporting FinTech startups.
- The LCR FinTech Growth Group, which fosters collaboration and provides support for scaling businesses.
FinTech North Liverpool Conference 2025: What to Expect
Taking place in Liverpool’s iconic Royal Liver Building, this year’s conference will showcase the city’s FinTech strengths. Attendees can expect:
- Keynotes from major industry players – including Rathbones, Monzo, and Innovate UK.
- Panels on the future of UK FinTech, featuring leading voices in the sector.
- Opportunities for startups to pitch, following success stories such as a recent FinTech North showcase, where one startup secured £100,000 in funding.
- Networking opportunities with industry leaders, investors, and policymakers.
Joe expressed excitement about the event, stating that it will be “bigger and better than last year”, with a shorter format to enhance engagement and accessibility. The event is already seeing record-breaking registrations, reflecting the increasing momentum of Liverpool’s FinTech community.
The Challenges and Opportunities for Liverpool’s FinTech Ecosystem
While Liverpool’s FinTech sector is thriving, challenges remain. According to Joe, the main hurdles for startups include:
- Access to funding, particularly in the current economic climate.
- Navigating regulatory complexities, which can slow down innovation.
- Securing partnerships with established financial institutions, given that 80% of FinTechs are B2B.
However, Liverpool’s collaborative spirit is proving to be a significant advantage. The LCR FinTech Growth Group and FinTech North’s efforts are helping startups connect with the right partners, develop competitive advantages, and scale their operations.
The Role of Collaboration in Driving Growth
DTM Legal’s partnership with FinTech North plays a key role in supporting businesses in the region. Professional services, including legal and financial expertise, are critical in helping FinTech startups navigate challenges such as regulation, contracts, and investment structures.
Joe emphasised the importance of engaging with professional services early, stating that legal guidance can prevent costly mistakes and help startups scale efficiently. Our ongoing work with FinTech North and the LCR FinTech Growth Group ensures that businesses in Liverpool have access to specialist legal support tailored to the FinTech sector.
Looking to the Future
Looking ahead, Joe predicts continued growth for FinTech in Liverpool, with the potential for over 100 FinTech’s operating in the city within the next five years. With new reports on the sector’s progress due later this year, the outlook is highly promising.
Joe’s key advice for emerging FinTech startups?
“Be a painkiller, not a vitamin – solve a real problem, rather than just making things easier.”
For those in the FinTech space, engagement in community events, networking opportunities, and partnerships can be game-changing.
Join Us at the FinTech North Liverpool Conference
The FinTech North Liverpool Conference 2025 is set to be an unmissable event for anyone in the FinTech space. Discover the latest trends, hear from industry leaders, and connect with key players in the sector. Secure your place now and be part of Liverpool’s growing FinTech movement!
