PRIVATE EQUITY AND INVESTMENT
IAN BRADBURY
TITLE : CTO FOR FINANCIAL SERVICES COMPANY : FUJITSU UK AND IRELAND
An employee of Fujitsu for more than 19 years , Ian Bradbury has been Chief
Technology Officer since 2016 . In his role , Bradbury has a learned understanding of the deployment and impact potential of new business models and technologies
across the financial services marketplace , including insurance and all forms of banking .
as biometrics ), renewed interest in cryptocurrencies and Central Bank Digital Currencies ( CBDCs ).”
Cohen agrees that Gen AI-based fintechs may garner more interest than others , while for Peter Wood , Chief Strategy Officer at Spectrum Search , “ VCs are increasingly gravitating towards fintechs that offer innovative solutions in digital payments and blockchain technology ”, as well as AI-driven financial services .
Wood goes on : “ Fintechs that are addressing financial inclusion and offering solutions to underbanked or unbanked populations are also gaining traction . This shift aligns with a broader trend towards technology that not only drives profitability but also fosters social responsibility and inclusivity .”
Indeed , these investment trends for the first half of 2024 build on some of the deals the industry has seen over the past 12 months or so . Even though 2023 saw a slowdown in funding , this doesn ’ t mean there weren ’ t several notable investments .
In fact , from Cohen ’ s point of view , 2023 may actually have been ‘ bigger ’ than any other .
“ What was most exciting from my perspective last year was Rapyd agreeing to acquire PayU GPO for US $ 610m ,” he says . “ This marked a pivotal moment in our journey to revolutionise the global payments landscape .” fintechmagazine . com 113