
When the World Bank launched a focus on financial inclusion in 2011, about 2.5-3 billion people lacked access to even the most basic financial services. Since then, dramatic progress has been made. Between 2011 and 2014 an astonishing 700 million people gained bank accounts (twice the population of the US). In the latest World Bank Findex report, it was stated that a further 8% of the world opened an account.

The 11:FS Pulse analysts spend all their time immersed in the world of fintech. Over the past year, we’ve seen hundreds of different products, features, and brands pass through our screens. With the fintech space moving so fast, there’s been a lot to love (and hate). For anyone working in the space that doesn’t currently have a Pulse license, we wanted to share the 2017 roundup we hashed out over a couple of beers in the Aldgate WeWork. Without further ado, here are the 11 brands that deserve recognition for 2017…

David Brear and Jason Bates were put through their paces when they met Gary Vaynerchuk who gave them one of his famous $100,000 sessions.

In the second quarter of 2017 VC-backed fintechs raised $5.2bn via 251 deals.That brings us to $8bn for the between Q2 2016 and Q2 2017, meaning the industry is well on track to a record breaking year (2015 saw a peak of $14.1bn). If you’ve got a killer idea or you’ve made it to MVP stage, now might be the time to familiarise yourself with the biggest fintech players in the VC world.

At 11:FS, we spend a lot of time looking at next-generation mobile trends and technology. Every now and again we come across a product or feature that just blows us away. It can be as simple as a smart integration with another product or as complicated as a whole app that’s powered by bleeding edge technology.

I’ve blogged on some of the themes I’m going to cover below, but the story gets clearer and clearer in my head the more I blog about and talk about it, so this version may be a little clearer than some that have gone before.

I used to hate when my parents came into high school for the annual speech from my teachers that I should be trying a lot harder. Unlike my report cards at school, I think the 11:FS end of year report would read pretty damn well as every single person that has worked for 11:FS couldn’t have done more to make it a success over the last year.

The arrival of a new year is often a time for reflection and an opportunity to look ahead. In design it’s no different.

Host Benjamin Ensor - Director of Research and Strategy at 11:FS - is joined by some great guests to discuss the biggest stories from the world of financial services over the past week.

In this episode, we're exploring what it takes to build modern banking technology from the ground up. Host Ross Gallagher - Head of Consulting at 11:FS - joined by Sam Everington, CEO of Engine by Starling, and Jody Bhagat, President of North America at Engine by Starling.

Host Kate Moody - Customer Strategy Director at 11:FS - is joined by some great guests to discuss the biggest stories from the world of financial services over the past week.

In this episode, we're diving into one of the biggest challenges facing fintech growth right now: standing out. From brand building and customer acquisition to AI-powered marketing and community-led growth, we unpack how fintechs are finding, engaging and retaining customers in an increasingly crowded market. Laura Watkins - Director of Media and Marketing at 11:FS joined by marketing experts of the sector. In this episode, we're diving into one of the biggest challenges facing fintech growth right now: standing out. From brand building and customer acquisition to AI-powered marketing and community-led growth, we unpack

Host Ross Gallagher - Head of Consulting at 11:FS - is joined by some great guests to discuss the biggest stories from the world of financial services over the past week.

In this special episode of Fintech Insider Insights, recorded live at Stripe Tour London, we're joined by two Stripe leaders to explore how the internet economy is evolving - and the infrastructure powering its next chapter.

Host Laura Watkins - Director of Media and Marketing at 11:FS - is joined by some great guests to discuss the biggest stories from the world of financial services over the past week.

What do Arsenal, Manchester United, Nottingham Forest and the Home Nations football teams have in common? They're all partnering with fintech brands.

Host Ross Gallagher - Head of Ventures at 11:FS- is joined by some great guests to discuss the biggest stories from the world of financial services over the past week.

Are stablecoins actually breaking into the mainstream financial system - or are they still largely trapped inside the fintech bubble?

Host Benjamin Ensor - Director of Research and Strategy at 11:FS - is joined by some great guests to discuss the biggest stories from the world of financial services over the past week.

Is regulation really the thing slowing innovation down — or is the bigger challenge how firms respond to it?

Host Kate Moody - Customer Strategy Director at 11:FS - is joined by some great guests to discuss the biggest stories from the world of financial services over the past week.
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As AI moves from supporting investment decisions to making them, what happens to trust, accountability, and control?

Host Laura Watkins - Director of Media and Marketing at 11:FS- is joined by some great guests to discuss the biggest stories from the world of financial services over the past week.

The UK banking battlefield has never been more competitive. Customers expectfinancial apps that are personalised, seamless, and that genuinely make a differenc...


The UK banking battlefield has never been more competitive. Customers expectfinancial apps that are personalised, seamless, and that genuinely make a differenc...

