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No 1 region for global FinTech investment (Source: fDi Markets FT 2021)

FinTech and financial services

Belfast has a thriving FinTech industry that provides services and technological solutions to international clients including banks, insurance companies, and asset management companies. The city was awarded a FinTech Strategy specialism award in 2021 and is ranked no2 for FinTech Strategy among mid-sized European Cities of the Future 2022/23.

Digital capability and access to outstanding talent has made Belfast home to a diverse range of financial and professional services companies. Global firms such as Citi, Allstate, Liberty Mutual, Aflac and FD Technologies have all established and expanded their operations in Belfast, while investors such as CME Group, Vela, Options IT and TP ICAP have also recently joined the emerging cluster.

Currently Belfast’s core strengths in FinTech and financial services lie in RegTech and compliance, TradingTech, InsureTech, cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, and Advanced Analytics.

The Global Innovation Institute (GII) (link opens in new window), supported by the Belfast Region City Deal, will catalyse the digital transformation of NI’s economy and the FinTech sector with its focus on cybersecurity, wireless connectivity, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.

A pipeline of over 5,000 graduates across relevant disciplines such as finance, accounting, economics, Law and computing provide a ready supply of skills and talent to support this growing sector.

Global Leader

No.1 global destination for financial technology research & development investments.

Tradeable

Belfast is second to London as the top UK city at attracting US Tradable Services FDI projects.