Major banks launch scheme to drive innovation in operational resilience

A group of major financial institutions including NatWest, Morgan Stanley and Aberdeen have launched a new tech initiative to strengthen operational resilience across the financial sector.

The project invites FinTech innovators to co-create “next-generation solutions” that can safeguard the financial system in an increasingly digital world.

Successful applicants may be eligible for up to £50,000 in grant funding to accelerate the development of their solution and will have the opportunity to present their technology to industry and regulatory bodies at a showcase event.

Other firms involved in the project include Dudley Building Society, The Tipton, Unity Trust Bank, M&G, Pinsent Masons, Tesco Bank, KPMG and EY.

The FinTechs will have the opportunity to work directly with financial institutions, gain valuable insights into real-world resilience challenges, as well as receive expert input from leading academics from the University of Strathclyde and the University of Glasgow.

The scheme is being delivered in partnership with FinTech Scotland through the Financial Regulation Innovation Lab (FRIL).

The organisations are working with SuperTech WM, a technology support organisation focused on the West Midlands, to help expand the reach and impact across the UK.

FinTech Scotland said that operational resilience is a top priority for the UK’s regulators, including the Financial Conduct Authority, Bank of England and HM Treasury, as the sector adapts to growing digital disruption, complex supply chains, and rising consumer expectations.

The scheme is a shared commitment from industry to proactively address these risks through collaboration and innovation and FinTech Scotland said it is designed to source practical, scalable solutions that can help firms stay resilient, responsive and secure.

“This challenge is a powerful example of how collaboration can drive meaningful change,” said Nicola Anderson, chief executive of FinTech Scotland. “By bringing together fintech innovators, academic insight, and industry expertise, we’re not only responding to the increasing demands of the digital economy, we’re actively shaping a more resilient and adaptive financial system for the future.”



Share Story:

Recent Stories


Data trust in the AI era: Building customer confidence through responsible banking
In the second episode of FStech’s three-part video podcast series sponsored by HCLTech, Sudip Lahiri, Executive Vice President & Head of Financial Services for Europe & UKI at HCLTech examines the critical relationship between data trust, transparency, and responsible AI implementation in financial services.

Banking's GenAI evolution: Beyond the hype, building the future
In the first episode of a three-part video podcast series sponsored by HCLTech, Sudip Lahiri, Executive Vice President & Head of Financial Services for Europe & UKI at HCLTech explores how financial institutions can navigate the transformative potential of Generative AI while building lasting foundations for innovation.

Beyond compliance: Building unshakeable operational resilience in financial services
In today's rapidly evolving financial landscape, operational resilience has become a critical focus for institutions worldwide. As regulatory requirements grow more complex and cyber threats, particularly ransomware, become increasingly sophisticated, financial services providers must adapt and strengthen their defences. The intersection of compliance, technology, and security presents both challenges and opportunities.

Unleashing generative AI: A force multiplier for financial crime teams
This FStech webinar, sponsored by NICE Actimize sees industry experts examine the revolutionary impact of generative AI on financial crime operations, and provides actionable insights to enhance your compliance strategies.