On 24 October 2025, we brought together industry leaders, innovators and government in Leeds to explore how we can work together to drive investment and create new opportunities for the region.
The Rt Hon Rachel Reeves, Chancellor of the Exchequer, announced the launch of FCA-PRA Scale-up Unit[1].
The Chancellor joined our chief executive, Nikhil Rathi in a fireside chat to discuss how we can support regional growth in financial services and how the FCA is helping firms to innovate and grow.
FCA chief executive, Nikhil Rathi speaking with The Rt Hon Rachel Reeves, Chancellor of the Exchequer at the FCA Forum in Leeds.
The event included a panel discussion led by executive director, payments and digital finance and PSR managing director, David Geale. It brought together regional leaders and fintech experts to discuss the practical steps needed to unlock regional growth.
Through lightning talks and an exhibition zone, attendees explored the FCA firm journey from start-up to scale-up and support services[2] available.
The event also included a mini Sprint, where participants collaborated on regional problem statements and devised solutions in a ‘hackathon’ style to generate ideas to facilitate growth.