UEL launches The Centre of FinTech
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Published
29 April 2022
The University of East London (UEL) has launched the Centre of FinTech, an exciting landmark hub which aims to cut across a number of disciplines and leverage the expertise within the University in research, finance, technology, law and regulation.
The launch was hosted at the Houses of Parliament and honoured guests included the Rt Hon Stephen Timms MP and leading FinTech entrepreneur Ron Kalifa OBE, who gave a keynote speech.
As well as providing a focus for research and education, the Centre of FinTech aims to provide practical regulatory support for the sector, which is clustered around neighbouring financial centres, such as Canary Wharf and the City of London.
Vice chancellor and president of UEL, Professor Amanda Broderick, said, "The FinTech industry is evolving at a great pace, and the University of East London is at the forefront of this exciting and important new sector. As the careers-1st University, producing 4th economy-ready graduates and driving innovation for a rapidly changing world is key. The launch of the Centre of FinTech speaks to the core of this mission."
Dean of the Royal Docks School of Business and Law, Professor Mohammad Ali, added, "The Kalifa Review highlights the importance of skills, access to global talent and creation of a sustainable talent pipeline - all of which are at the core of the Centre of FinTech, which provides a platform for FinTech businesses, innovators and entrepreneurs to work directly with a diverse talent pool at UEL and beyond. The Centre of Fintech will create a talent pipeline in the Fintech industry to assure a successful global FinTech ecosystem."
The centre will also act upon a key recommendation from The Kalifa Review - increasing interaction of FinTech businesses with education institutions like UEL. The centre has been specifically designed to work with a number of business partners, who not only support students in terms of work placements and skills development, but actively engage with the course design and delivery.
Dr Iwa Salami, Associate Professor in Law and Co-Director of the Centre, said, "With London as the superhub of FinTech activity, what better place to create future industry leaders. The sector is going to continue growing and this gives us the opportunity to influence cutting edge thought and practice."
Co-Director of the Centre, Dr Julie Wall, Reader in Computer Science, said, "We want to ensure that we are developing graduates with strong skills that are desirable to employers and within the industry. We are grateful to all of our partners including who have helped make this happen."
Ron Kalifa OBE said: "Driven by innovation and technology, the Centre of FinTech will bring together research and education to help address the significant skills gap within the sector. It will provide a platform for businesses to work with one of the most diverse universities in the country to protect, support and scale the FinTech industry."
The launch included keynote speeches, networking opportunities and the chance to find out more about research in the centre.
Find out more about the Centre of FinTech.