Date: 08 June 2025
Author: FINTECH Author

The buzz of innovation filled Shoreditch as SXSW London made its debut across 25+ venues, bringing together global voices from music, media, and tech.

Among the standout moments was our fintech panel, “Going Overground: London’s Next Fintech Leap”, where we had the privilege of spotlighting some of the most pioneering leaders in the space.

Moderating the discussion was a true honour, especially with such an accomplished lineup:

• Mark Lenhard, CEO of Zepz
• Peter Briffett, CEO & Co-Founder of Wagestream
• Harriet Rees, CIO at Starling Bank
• Sean Hederman, CTO of Zilch

Together, we explored how grit, creativity, and relentless execution have positioned their companies as global fintech leaders—each with a strong mission and cutting-edge product roadmap for 2025 and beyond.

Inside the Minds of Fintech Trailblazers

The panel shared powerful insights into the technologies and strategies propelling their success. Here’s a snapshot of what each company is doing to shape the future of finance:

• Zepz (parent of WorldRemit and Sendwave) is revolutionising cross-border payments, enabling money transfers to 130 countries across 5,000 corridors. Their global footprint and impact on financial inclusion remain unmatched.
• Wagestream is changing how employees experience payday—offering real-time access to earned wages, reducing financial stress, and fostering better money management for workers across sectors.
• Starling Bank, Britain’s first digital-only bank for both personal and business accounts, continues to lead with their proprietary Engine platform, now licensable to banks worldwide.
• Zilch blends the flexibility of Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) with the benefits of a credit card, giving users the freedom to pay in full or in installments while earning rewards.

These are not just financial products—they are purpose-driven platforms built to improve lives.

A Global Lens and the Power of Diversity

One of the most inspiring elements of the session was the global perspective shared on stage. With Mark from the USA, Sean from South Africa, and myself from Austria, our conversation reflected the very diversity that powers innovation.

London’s fintech scene thrives not only on talent and investment but also on diverse thinking, backgrounds, and experiences.

This diversity of thought, paired with access to capital and a strong ecosystem, positions the UK to remain at the forefront of fintech on a global scale.

SXSW London: Where Culture and Innovation Meet

For those unfamiliar, SXSW originated in Austin, Texas in 1987 and has since grown into one of the world’s most influential festivals—celebrating the convergence of tech, film, music, and media.

SXSW London marked its debut with a sprawling campus across East London, transforming Shoreditch into a cultural and innovation playground.

This year’s event was not only a testament to London’s dynamism but also to the spirit of collaboration and creativity that drives the fintech community forward.

Final Thoughts

“Going Overground” was more than just a title—it was a statement. A reflection of how UK fintech is moving from underground innovation to mainstream global impact.

The future is bright, bold, and diverse, and it’s already in motion thanks to the visionary minds we heard from at SXSW London.