The University of Manchester to be Headline Sponsor of FinTech North Conference
Jake Fox / 10th May 2018
The University of Manchester has joined forces with FinTech North, which aims to generate collaboration in FinTech across the Northern Powerhouse, and establish the region as a driver of innovation in the wider FinTech community. The University has been announced as the event partner for FinTech North’s Manchester conference, which takes place on the 22nd May at the Whitworth Art Gallery.
Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, University of Manchester President and Vice Chancellor, will lead a special session on skills and research, focusing on furthering innovation in the FinTech sector.
The University of Manchester, a member of the prestigious Russell Group, has a global reputation for exceptional education and world-class research, and is committed to strengthening Manchester businesses and supporting the economic growth of the region. Its campus is home to more international students than any other university in the UK, and it was recently ranked 54th in the World University Rankings 2018.
FinTech North, a not-for-profit events based initiative established in 2016, brings together FinTech entrepreneurs, banks, building societies, other financial services institutions, technology businesses, investors, advisors, and academics.
Dr. Andrew James, Associate Dean for Business Engagement and academic lead for FinTech at the University of Manchester, will join Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell for the Skills and Research session. A showcase of current applied research projects with industry partners including Barclays and Bupa, and a panel session discussing how industry-academic collaborations can help drive innovation, will close the session.
Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, President and Vice-Chancellor, The University of Manchester said,
Engagement with industrial partners helps focus our research and maximise the economic and social impacts of our research expertise. We are pleased to have this opportunity to host the inaugural FinTech North event in Manchester. The University is playing a major role in development of the evolving FinTech sector, especially in the Manchester city region and wider Northern Powerhouse. We have academics from disciplines ranging from mathematics to social sciences to regulatory law who are helping to provide insight and answer key business questions relevant to the development, application and implications of new technology in financial services.
The Manchester conference is the second in a series of three major FinTech North events across the north, with the other events in Leeds and Liverpool. The conference will see a speaker line up of over 30 industry professionals and academics share their experience and expertise.
Luke Freeman of FinTech North said,
“Having the University of Manchester supporting our first FinTech North conference in Manchester is fantastic. It is one of the leading Universities in the Northern Powerhouse and indeed in the UK. I’m greatly looking forward to seeing the session on Skills & Research, which is such a vital part of ensuring the Northern FinTech sector continues to flourish.”
Other sessions at the conference will explore the wider FinTech landscape, funding and innovation, and international FinTechs will be invited to pitch in a FinTech showcase. Speakers include: Chris Sier, FinTech Envoy, HM Treasury, Christopher Woolard, Executive Director at the Financial Conduct Authority, Sameer Gulati, Policy and Research Advisor at Innovate Finance, and Henri Murison, Chief Executive of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership.
FinTech North Manchester 2018 is sponsored by; AJ Bell, Austrade, BJSS, Canadian High Commission, Computershare, DIT, DLA Piper, Equiniti Credit Services, Innovate Finance, MIDAS, Proco, University of Manchester, Whitecap Consulting and White Label Crowdfunding.
View the full agenda and register for Manchester here
