Nikola Kelly joins Scotcoin’s Advisory Panel.
The Scotcoin Project (TSP) is excited to announce the addition of Nikola Kelly from the Be-It Group to its Advisory Panel.
Nik has a vast background in the Scottish Technology sector, leading highly skilled teams for 16 years. Recently, she completed an MBO of Be-IT Group, which includes Be-IT Resourcing, the largest independently owned IT Recruitment Specialist firm in Scotland, and BE-IT Projects, a growing IT consultancy. Nik’s primary focus remains on the growth of Be-IT Group. She also serves on the Advisory Board for Career Ready, a national social mobility charity, and actively promotes diversity and inclusion in the Scottish technology market. Nik frequently speaks at events on topics such as Women in Technology and Inclusion within Neurodiverse Communities. Alongside her impressive professional achievements, Nik is a mother of four and has received recognition as the Scottish Women in Business Young Star and for her outstanding contributions as a young business leader.
Starting from 1st July, Nik will join the TSP advisory panel to assist in the search for a CEO who will lead the management team. This team’s primary objective will be to develop a preferred partner base centered around TSP’s core values of providing food, clothing, and accommodation for those in greatest need.
Temple Melville, CEO of TSP, expressed his delight at Nik’s inclusion in the Advisory Panel, emphasising her extensive knowledge and expertise in both IT and business. He believes that she will play a significant role in implementing the business plan as it unfolds.
Nikola Kelly shared her excitement about joining the TSP Advisory Panel during this momentous period. Having supported numerous fintech companies in their growth journeys, she finds it incredible to be involved with Scotland’s digital currency and the world’s first ethical cryptocurrency. Nik is thrilled to embark on this amasing journey and contribute to making a positive social and ethical impact.
Encompass Corporation Appoints Cheri Burns as PR & Corporate Communications Director
Scotland based Encompass Corporation, has named industry veteran Cheri Burns as the Director of PR & Corporate Communications. In her new role, Burns will oversee media relations for the company.
Burns will be responsible for developing and executing Encompass’ global PR and communications strategy, including managing relationships with analysts and influencers in collaboration with leading trade bodies and industry experts.
Before joining Encompass, Burns held significant editorial positions at national newspapers such as The Daily Record and The Herald, as well as BBC Sport Scotland. She later managed the publications stream for the Glasgow 2018 European Championships.
Cheri Burns, the PR & Corporate Communications Director at Encompass Corporation, expressed her enthusiasm, stating,
“I am thrilled to assume the role of PR & Corporate Communications Director at Encompass, leading media relations for such an innovative organisation.”
“Encompass plays a vital role in addressing global issues like combating financial crime and driving workplace diversity, inclusion, and development. I am excited to continue sharing our values and insights with the media.”
“Effective communication is essential in the technology and financial services industries, fostering awareness and dialogue on important topics, while showcasing innovative solutions that support businesses and encourage collaboration.”
Magalie Pimentel, VP of Marketing at Encompass Corporation, commented,
“Cheri’s extensive and diverse background in public relations, coupled with her profound understanding of the RegTech landscape, makes her an invaluable asset to our organisation.”
“With Cheri’s passion and expertise in shaping brand narratives that resonate with our target audiences, we are confident in our ability to effectively communicate our global vision, values, and innovation.”
Leading global banks and financial institutions, including members of the Wolfsberg Group, rely on Encompass’ award-winning platform to automate the KYC search process and generate real-time digital KYC profiles of their customers within minutes, rather than hours or days.
By streamlining complex manual processes, Encompass enables regulated firms to expedite revenue generation, enhance operational efficiency, and demonstrate consistent compliance.
Zumo pushes to decarbonise digital assets at Money20/20 Europe
Scottish fintech Zumo is just back from Money20/20 where it announced the introduction of Oxygen, an innovative solution aimed at decarbonising digital assets for financial institutions that prioritise environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors.
This groundbreaking launch took place at Money20/20 Europe in Amsterdam, marking a significant milestone just one year after Zumo and its partner, Zero Labs received a grant from Innovate UK, the UK’s national innovation agency. The grant was awarded to support their joint research on decarbonising digital assets, with a particular emphasis on finding practical approaches for scaling the utilisation of renewable energy in wallets and platforms.
Oxygen empowers Zumo’s clients, including banks and asset managers, to offer ESG-aligned digital asset solutions that are future-proof. This targeted solution combines crypto electricity consumption forecasting and calculation with standard industry data. By leveraging Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) for renewable energy procurement, Zumo ensures transparency and verifiability in powering crypto or blockchain activities with renewables. As a result, Zumo’s clients can effectively reduce the Scope 3 emissions associated with their digital asset offerings and demonstrate their commitment to sustainability.
The introduction of Oxygen follows the successful completion of Zumo’s Zero Hero pilot project, a live trial that involved purchasing RECs to offset the electricity consumption of Bitcoin transactions conducted through a direct-to-consumer crypto app powered by Zumo’s infrastructure. Through this initiative, Zero Hero REC purchases covered £1.5 million worth of Bitcoin, compensating for a total of 850 megawatt-hours (MWh) of electricity””an amount equivalent to driving an electric vehicle for over 2.6 million miles. Furthermore, Zumo procured an additional 126.36 MWh to decarbonise Ethereum’s historical emissions and the company’s ETH holdings, actively participating in the Blocks.garden initiative.
Nick Jones, Co-Founder and CEO of Zumo, expressed his enthusiasm, stating,
“The carbon footprint associated with digital asset products is often a significant concern. With Oxygen, our pioneering solution, we provide businesses with practical methods to meet customer demands for digital assets while simultaneously addressing environmental challenges and demonstrating positive ESG-aligned actions.”
“Oxygen empowers banks, asset managers, and financial institutions to align their digital asset offerings with their broader net-zero strategies, enabling them to make verifiable decarbonisation claims. Today’s launch is a testament to the tireless efforts of our team and our partners at Zero Labs. We hope it sets a positive example for the market, showcasing what is truly achievable.”
The decarbonisation of digital assets stands as one of the most critical challenges faced by the emerging digital assets sector. Zumo has emerged as a leader in addressing this challenge and has published a series of influential reports that are shaping the industry’s trajectory (accessible at zumo.tech/crypto-knowledge-hub). Zumo’s efforts have been recognised through several accolades, including the prestigious “Best Application of ESG” award at City AM’s
Photo by Worldspectrum: https://www.pexels.com/photo/ripple-etehereum-and-bitcoin-and-micro-sdhc-card-844124/
Scottish Fintechs present at Money 2020, Europe’s largest gathering of fintech innovation
FinTech Scotland and Scottish Development International (SDI), the international arm of Scottish Enterprise, have joined forces to bring a group of eight fintech firms to Money20/20 in Amsterdam from 6th to 8th June 2023.
Money20/20 is the largest fintech event in Europe bringing together over 7,500 attendees from over 2,300 companies coming from over 90 countries. Global leaders, new challengers, tech giants and the fastest-growing start-ups will get together for 3 days to explore opportunities and share knowledge, trends, expert insights, new ideas and make the connections to prepare for what’s coming next in the fintech ecosystem.
The Scottish consortium is part of a UK wide representation, connecting fintech SME’s peers, clients and investors from across Europe.
The coming together of this UK delegation continues to show the opportunity fintech represents for the UK economy. It also demonstrates the cohesiveness of UK fintech with representation from across the UK Fintech National Network involved. FinTech Scotland and SDI will be alongside other fintech hubs including FinTech Wales, FinTech North, Innovate Finance to name a few.
The eight Scottish fintech firms selected to showcase their innovative technologies at Money20/20 are Zumo, DirectID, Autorek, Modulr, BR-DGE, Level-E Research, Waracle and Teradata. They represent some of the best of what Scotland’s thriving fintech cluster has to offer and will showcase their cutting-edge solutions to a global audience.
The 8 fintech firms will provide practical demonstrations of their innovative solutions to investors and potential partners from across Europe at a spotlight event organised on the UK pavilion.
Commenting on the partnership, Nicola Anderson, CEO at FinTech Scotland, said:
“We are delighted to see such a strong delegation of Scottish fintechs attending Money20/20. This is a fantastic opportunity for these companies to showcase their innovative solutions.”
“As FinTech innovation across the UK and Scotland continues to thrive, we can expect to see more exciting developments from this innovative sector in the years to come. International growth remains a strategic priority for fintech SMEs and we’re focused on partnering with SDI to deepen connections with priority markets”
Alongside the potential export opportunities for Scottish fintechs at Money20/20, SDI inward investment specialists will also be there to highlight the opportunities in Scotland for international companies considering global growth.
Scotland is now home to more than 220 homegrown and international fintechs, spanning the full spectrum of financial technologies from payments to blockchain, from open banking to regtech.
Reuben Aitken, Managing Director of International Operations at Scottish Enterprise, said:
“With a rich history in financial services, internationally renowned universities and an innovative tech scene, Scotland’s fintech sector enjoys an incredibly strong global reputation.
“Money20/20 is Europe’s largest fintech event and we look forward to joining FinTech Scotland in showcasing the very best our fintech sector has to offer, opening doors for Scottish firms to international markets and delivering investment opportunities here in Scotland in the process.”
To attend the Scottish fintech showcase on Tuesday 6th of June at UK Pavilion B20 please email contact@fintechscotland.com.
EDF joins forces with Scottish fintech Snugg
Scottish fintech Snugg is joining forces with EDF, the leading provider of zero-carbon electricity in the UK. Their partnership is geared towards assisting homeowners throughout England and Wales in reducing their carbon footprint and enhancing energy efficiency in their residences by leveraging EDF’s extensive network of certified installers.
Starting from April 2023, Snugg users gain exclusive access to EDF’s pool of skilled installers, enabling them to install air source heat pumps, solar PV panels, as well as various insulation solutions like loft, cavity wall, and solid wall insulation. This groundbreaking collaboration empowers users not only to design their personalised home efficiency plans using Snugg but also find reputable installers through the platform to bring those plans to fruition.
To request a quote from an EDF-approved installer, Snugg users can follow these simple steps:
- Utilise Snugg’s platform to create a comprehensive efficiency plan, identifying areas for improvement in their homes.
- Provide relevant details about their residence, answering a few concise questions, to receive accurate quotes from EDF-certified installers.
- Schedule the installation with their chosen EDF installer and reap the benefits of an energy-efficient home.
By teaming up with EDF, Snugg expands its installer network coverage, streamlining the process of transforming homes into energy-efficient spaces. This collaboration saves customers valuable time and effort, particularly during the pivotal phase of the UK’s journey towards achieving Net-Zero.
An insightful analysis conducted by Snugg on Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings in Bristol has revealed that a staggering 59% of homes in the area possess an EPC rating below C, underscoring the critical need for homeowners to take immediate action. By implementing energy efficiency improvements, Snugg estimates that Bristol residents could collectively save an impressive £91 million annually while concurrently reducing the city’s yearly carbon emissions by 250,000 tonnes.
Enhancing home energy efficiency stands as a crucial element in the UK’s pursuit of Net-Zero targets, and the collaboration between Snugg and EDF serves as a significant stride towards making this aspiration a tangible reality. Together, they are dedicated to making energy-efficient homes accessible, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly for homeowners across the entire UK.
Expressing excitement about the partnership, Snugg CEO Robin Peters stated,
“We are thrilled to join forces with EDF in facilitating easier energy efficiency improvements for our customers’ homes. As the awareness of the need for future-proofing homes grows and the UK diligently strives to meet its Net-Zero targets, it becomes paramount that we expedite the transition towards a carbon-neutral world. Our collaboration with EDF represents a significant leap forward in achieving that objective, empowering homeowners to embrace greener and more sustainable living.”
Katharine Baker, EDF’s Senior Manager of Propositions & Sales, also shared her enthusiasm, saying,
“This marks an exciting new chapter for us as we partner with Snugg to bring energy efficiency measures to our customers. Our extensive installer network offers a diverse range of solutions, from heat pumps to solar panels, enabling customers to take full control of their home’s energy efficiency.”
Encompass selected for Austrade trade mission
Encompass Corporation, a trailblazing provider of dynamic automation for the Know Your Customer (KYC) process, has been chosen to participate in a significant international trade mission led by Austrade. This mission is dedicated to showcasing the burgeoning FinTech enterprises and forging stronger global connections.
Austrade, the esteemed Australian Government entity responsible for international trade and investment, has joined forces with Investment NSW, Invest Victoria, and Global Victoria. Together, they aim to foster collaboration and shed light on the rapid worldwide growth of the FinTech industry by connecting Australian-born FinTechs with businesses across the United Kingdom and Europe.
The immersive 10-day FinTech Program for 2023 entails informative sessions with the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), UK regulators, prominent banks, and representatives from the esteemed London Stock Exchange. Notably, Encompass and other industry leaders will also participate in key events, including the highly anticipated Money 20/20, scheduled to take place in Amsterdam from June 6th to 8th, as part of Austrade’s delegation.
Encompass’s selection for this opportunity is further reinforced by their recent involvement as a founding member of the Data & Technology for Compliance Alliance (DT4C).
Expressing enthusiasm for international collaboration, Wayne Johnson, CEO and Co-Founder of Encompass Corporation, stated
“Programs like these play a vital role in fueling innovation and sustaining the remarkable growth witnessed not only in FinTech but also across the technology sector as a whole.”
“As an Australian-born enterprise that has rapidly expanded its global presence over the past decade, we comprehend the power of collaboration. It unlocks new avenues of growth for organisations focused on developing and adopting novel technologies and expanding partnerships.”
Anastasia Nishnianidze, Austrade’s Trade and Investment Commissioner to the UK and Ireland, expressed excitement about hosting a delegation of prominent Australian FinTechs in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands in the upcoming month.
“Australia currently holds the 6th position worldwide in FinTech, boasting one of the most dynamic and innovative FinTech ecosystems globally. Our FinTechs offer world-class solutions to global markets,” Nishnianidze noted.
“Austrade’s FinTech Program will provide invaluable opportunities for our Australian FinTech innovators to engage with major European players in the industry, ranging from banks and regulators to investors. We eagerly anticipate facilitating productive collaborations for our innovative Australian FinTechs within the European market.”
Photo by Brett Stone: https://www.pexels.com/photo/people-gathering-outside-sydney-opera-house-2845013/
Accelerator programme to find the next Amiqus
Law firm Addleshaw Goddard has commenced its quest to discover exceptional high-growth tech enterprises to join its AG Elevate program. This program acts as an accelerator, specifically designed to facilitate the expansion of businesses in the technology sector.
AG Elevate, a rapid 10-month program, aims to propel tech enterprises from various industries forward by addressing the legal challenges that commonly arise during their growth phase.
Since its establishment in 2017, the program has successfully nurtured nearly 50 high-growth businesses. Among the select few invited to join AG Elevate in 2019 was Scottish fintech Amiqus that has since flourished tremendously. In fact, Amiqus now provides its innovative solution to Addleshaw Goddard.
Amiqus is a leading compliance platform that assists businesses in digitally managing the onboarding and compliance processes for both new clients and staff. As one of the United Kingdom’s fastest-growing fintech companies, Amiqus was conceived when its CEO and founder, Callum Murray, recognised a significant market gap. He sought to provide a solution to the complex, time-consuming, and expensive compliance challenges faced by businesses across various sectors.
Today, Amiqus excels at helping regulated businesses and organisations, including law firms, overcome practical obstacles in compliance and digital onboarding of new clients and staff.
Entrepreneurs understand all too well that the journey from a groundbreaking idea to building a successful, sustainable business is riddled with difficulties and rarely follows a linear trajectory. For Amiqus, specialising in the legal sector, the opportunity to participate in AG Elevate arrived at the ideal stage of their growth journey.
Amiqus applied for a place in the program and was chosen by an impartial panel to be part of the 2019 cohort. This stroke of fortune allowed Amiqus’ product to gain invaluable insights into the workings of an international law firm.
As part of the cohort, Amiqus was paired with a legal mentor and provided with a comprehensive package of legal support. Successful applicants also gain access to professional industry networks, tailored resources developed by AG, and opportunities to forge connections with like-minded individuals and businesses in the tech ecosystem.
This transformative experience began in June 2019. Since then, Amiqus has witnessed a doubling of its annual turnover and an expanded client base, which now includes some of the foremost organisations and professional services firms in the country. Additionally, Callum has recently been nominated as a regional finalist for EY’s Entrepreneur of the Year award.
Callum Murray, CEO of Amiqus, expressed his gratitude for the Elevate program, stating,
“The Elevate program not only provided us with invaluable support and insights but also connected us with a fantastic peer cohort of high-growth companies from across the UK. It’s truly the icing on the cake to come full circle and now support Addleshaw Goddard with our software, particularly in the field of law and technology.”
Dave Anderson, co-lead of the AG Elevate program and Addleshaw Goddard Partner who served as a mentor to Amiqus during the accelerator, commented,
“It’s wonderful to witness another success story emerging from the program, and notably, the first where AG has become a client. Callum and his team have thrived, and it’s fantastic to see AG Elevate playing a small role in their journey. Our team of legal mentors possesses a comprehensive understanding of the priorities and potential obstacles faced by rapidly growing tech businesses, offering AG Elevate members significant benefits beyond legal expertise.”
Photo by Bakr Magrabi: https://www.pexels.com/photo/compass-on-hand-3203659/
Amiqus to run Edinburgh Marathon for Scottish Refugee Council
Scottish fintech Amiqus, a prominent provider of compliance and onboarding services in the UK, is eagerly preparing to participate in the upcoming Edinburgh Marathon Festival. Their participation aims to raise funds for the Scottish Refugee Council (SRC), an organisation dedicated to providing practical assistance and guidance to refugees and asylum seekers in Scotland, particularly those who are financially and socially vulnerable.
During the Edinburgh Marathon Festival on May 27th and 28th, the dedicated members of the Amiqus team will collectively cover a distance of over 147 miles through their running efforts. In addition to their physical contributions, the company has pledged to match the funds raised, ensuring a substantial donation to the Scottish Refugee Council.
Amiqus is reaching out to individuals and organisations, urging them to contribute to their fundraising campaign and support the vital work of the SRC. Together with the SRC, Amiqus endeavors to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who seek refuge and strive for a better future.
When refugees arrive in Scotland, they often encounter numerous obstacles when accessing essential services and assimilating into their new communities. Earlier this year, the Amiqus team actively participated in the New Scot Leadership event organised by the SRC in Glasgow. During the event, they provided laptops to the attendees, aiming to equip them with the necessary tools to navigate online resources, communicate with support organisations, and access vital information.
By supporting the beneficiaries of the SRC with essential IT equipment, Amiqus strives to empower them in their journey, enabling them to overcome challenges and build a hopeful future. Callum Murray, the founding CEO at Amiqus, expressed his firm belief that everyone deserves a safe home. He emphasised the importance of businesses stepping up to support organisations like the Scottish Refugee Council, acknowledging the difficult decisions they face in allocating vital services that cannot be replicated elsewhere.
Dr. Sabir Zazai (OBE, FRSE), the Chief Executive at the Scottish Refugee Council, expressed his appreciation for the collective efforts of various actors in Scottish communities, including those in the corporate sector. He recognised their dedication in supporting refugees and asylum seekers as they navigate the challenging and stressful period of their lives, embracing their new identities as Scots.
Snugg secures funding to create greener future
Snugg, the groundbreaking online service dedicated to facilitating energy-efficient homes for all, proudly announces the reception of a substantial grant from the Green Home Finance Accelerator (GHFA), an initiative by the UK Government. The GHFA, funded through the Net Zero Innovation Portfolio (NZIP), aims to promote the advancement of green finance products. This funding will be utilised to develop a pioneering ‘Green Home Hub’ (GHH), designed to enhance finance providers’ understanding of customers exploring investments in home energy enhancements, such as solar panels and heat pumps, and to offer more appropriate products.
Snugg’s ultimate goal is to ensure that energy-efficient homes become accessible and affordable to everyone. The GHFA grant represents a significant stride towards accomplishing this mission. Aligned with the UK Government’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions, the GHFA initiative selected Snugg as one of 26 Discovery Phase projects nationwide, contributing to this crucial cause. Snugg’s participation in the GHFA demonstrates its dedication to creating a more sustainable future for the UK.
The forthcoming Green Home Hub represents an innovative approach to supporting Snugg’s partners, including banks and energy providers. It will provide valuable data insights, including:
- Accurate cost estimates (as high costs often deter people from implementing energy efficiency measures)
- Grant application wizard (to simplify the complex and challenging process of applying for grants)
- House value impact modeling (considering the significant impact on house prices when deciding on home energy improvements)
- Progress tracking and guidance (to instill confidence in substantial investments for energy efficiency improvements)
- Fuel savings monitoring (establishing a feedback loop through smart meters, enabling gradual implementation of efficiency plans)
- Carbon reduction tracking (offering financial benefits to individuals contributing to carbon reduction)
The Green Home Hub will be licensed to partners, allowing Snugg to extend its influence and make a substantial environmental impact by reaching thousands more homeowners throughout the UK.
By addressing the barriers homeowners face when contemplating energy-efficient upgrades, the Green Home Hub aims to empower financial providers to better understand their customers and develop more suitable products, ranging from mortgages to savings accounts. The objective is to transform energy-efficiency upgrades into a clear choice rather than a convoluted decision.
Snugg eagerly seeks collaboration with decision-makers in the finance, energy, and related sectors who are interested in utilising the Green Home Hub to support their customers’ transition to more energy-efficient homes. Interested parties are encouraged to reach out and join Snugg in turning this vision into a reality.
Lord Callanan, Minister for Energy Efficiency and Green Finance, commented, “The government has established long-term commitments to ensure homes across the country improve energy efficiency, reducing bills, energy consumption, and emissions. We are supporting these organisations in developing fresh and innovative approaches to provide greater access to energy efficiency measures like loft insulation, double glazing, and heat pumps.”
Snugg CEO, Robin Peters, expressed enthusiasm, stating, “Securing the Green Home Finance Accelerator grant is a thrilling milestone in our mission to make home energy efficiency simple and accessible to all. With the development of the Green Home Hub, we are poised to revolutionise the perception of home energy investment, transforming it from a seemingly impossible decision to an absolute no-brainer. We have already aligned our efforts with key players like Trustmark, Nesta, and HSBC. Now, we eagerly seek collaboration with additional industry participants as we strive to reach thousands more homeowners and accelerate our collective journey towards achieving Net Zero.”
For further information, please contact: sophie.leang@snuggenergy.com, Tel: +44(0)7496 534 611.
DirectID and Smoothpay to provide stable income to freelancers
Scottish fintech, DirectID, the global credit and risk platform, has recently formed a strategic partnership with Smoothpay, a fintech startup that converts unpredictable income into a dependable paycheck. By leveraging DirectID’s open banking platform, Smoothpay will now offer freelancers, contractors, and small business owners a reliable monthly income.
Smoothpay’s solution aims to remove the anxiety associated with erratic pay schedules, enabling people to pursue the flexible work they desire. By utilising real-time and historical income data through open banking, Smoothpay guarantees gig economy workers a level of certainty, ensuring a consistent income stream.
DirectID’s income verification tool, powered by open banking, is utilised to evaluate the earnings of small business owners and freelancers. Once users undergo a quick 30-second connectivity process, Smoothpay can rapidly analyse up to a year’s worth of customer earnings. As a result, individuals can promptly sign up for the service and start receiving their “Smoothpay” without any delay.
Henry Oakes, Founder of Smoothpay, said:
Reliable income analysis is at the heart of Smoothpay, but so too is a smooth (ahem) and trustworthy customer experience. We wanted our customers to find out their Smoothpay within a minute or so of signing up – and we’ve managed to achieve this with minimal fuss by integrating DirectID into the app.
Clare McCaffery, Chief Commercial Officer, DirectID, said:
When I first heard about Smoothpay, I instantly understood the role open banking could play in helping freelancers earn a stable income. Our mission has always been to promote financial inclusion ”“ that means to help people access the products they need, and help the providers to provide them. The world of work has transformed in recent years, and this is an incredible opportunity to use open banking to support those without a traditional salary for the first time.