Engine is the IA’s specialist FinTech accelerator and innovation hub for the investment management industry.

The programme supports FinTech firms, developing solutions for investments, operations and distribution. Artificial intelligence and tokenisation are just two of the technologies transforming our sector as we provide expert mentoring and connectivity through the Engine Advisory Panel as well as support from IA policy experts. The programme culminates with a showcase opportunity at our Global EmTech conference in March 2024.

The Engine Innovator Programme runs alongside the SPARKS programme, which supports the advancement of pre-seed, early-stage initiatives and will open for applications later this month.

In its seventh cohort of the Innovator Programme and the third cohort of SPARKS, Engine has so far supported 34 FinTech firms both nationally and internationally. Due to the strength of our international relationships and global appetite for innovation, we have already signed of MOUs with 12 key asset management and technology centres.

We are delighted to have welcome Israel and Switzerland to our Global Partners Programme this year, and we will continue to seek opportunities to collaborate with priority markets and the very best FinTech solution providers.

Gillian Painter, Head of Membership and Engine, at the Investment Association, said:

“Innovation in investment management is crucial to enhancing the experience for the millions of people we serve across the UK and abroad. I’m therefore excited to open applications for the latest cohorts of Engine’s Innovator Programme and the SPARKS programme; which support the development and application of new technologies within our industry. The programmes provide unique industry insight, training opportunities and mentoring, and the positive impact of past cohorts has already been felt across the industry.”

Applications for the Innovator Programme are now open and close on 11 November, while applications for the SPARKS programme open 18 September and run through 20 October.