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The UK is a leading jurisdiction for fintech organisations, from early stage start-ups to established international firms. In response, it has adopted a proactive regulatory approach that is widely viewed as balanced and principles-based, supporting innovation while ensuring effective oversight.

Regulation of the fintech sector is led primarily by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), which focuses on regulatory outcomes rather than prescriptive rules. The FCA applies a ‘same risk, same regulation’ principle so that fintech activities are treated consistently with comparable activities in traditional finance. The UK has also shown global leadership through initiatives such as the regulatory sandbox and open banking, promoting competition, innovation and secure data sharing.

2026 will be critical for UK fintech regulation due to the introduction of the FCA’s safeguarding reforms. From 7 May 2026, the strengthened supplementary safeguarding regime will impose higher standards on payment institutions and e-money firms, particularly in relation to books and records, reconciliation, monitoring, reporting and governance.

Against this backdrop, Financier Worldwide turns to some of the leading lights in their field, who share their stories…

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