Impact & Innovation in the Community Finance Sector - an overview of our 2023 conference

At the start of November, we hosted our annual conference, bringing together innovators, thought leaders, and change-makers in the community finance sector. Our "Impact and Innovation" conference proved to be a resounding success, showcasing the latest advancements in financial technology and emphasising the transformative power of community-focused financial solutions.

Highlights from the event included:

Collaboration/Innovation

The conference encouraged powerful discussions on the innovative efforts driving empowerment and positive change in the community finance sector. Collaborations with credit unions, community banks, fintechs and other relevant organisations were highlighted as key drivers of positive change, in a sector known as the UK’s ‘best kept secret’.

Attendees were treated to hearing elevator pitches supporting the ongoing message of incorporating ‘Fintech for Good’. Fintech North joined us on the day, showcasing seven pioneering FinTech organisations from across the North, who shared their innovative propositions and solutions, from real-time credit reference fintechs to apps dedicated to growing money confidence for young people. 

“The shared messages in the room today reflected the mission of all concerned to support and uplift the financial well-being of the people and communities they serve.“
— Juli Thompson, Food Savers & Inn Churches

Credit Union Sector

With a room full of some of the UK's leading credit unions, we took the opportunity to recognise and discuss the future of the sector. Impactful keynote speakers took the stage, sharing insights on the evolving landscape of community finance. 

Topics ranged from the role of technology in fostering financial inclusion to the ethical considerations surrounding the implementation of fintech solutions. These thought-provoking discussions inspired attendees to think critically about the impact of their work in the broader context of community development.

On day two, we split our attendees into six groups and ran three thought-provoking workshops,  to stimulate debate and conversations around payments in a modern world, lending in a digital society, and marketing credit unions to wider audiences. A great networking opportunity, to share ideas with thought leaders and like-minded individuals. 

Our sponsors

This year we were overwhelmed with support, and were delighted to be sponsored by a handful of successful and widely-recognised organisations. Again, we would like to thank Mastercard, TransUnion, Clear Bank, Monevo, and Bud Financial, for not only sponsoring our conference, but for recognising the importance of the community finance sector. 

Vision  2030

Undoubtedly, the main aim of the two day event was to get sector leaders to consider and envision the future of credit unions and community banking. At incuto, we’re on a mission to empower credit unions to help more people, from now until 2030 and beyond.

“The need for collaboration in Financial Services has never been greater.  We all have a part to play in making sure affordable credit is available to those who need it most.  The incuto team are proud to be at forefront of this endeavour.”
— incuto Head of Advocacy, Lauren Langton

Our impact and innovation conference in Leeds was a testament to the company's dedication to advancing community finance through technology, and was quoted as "the Friendliest Conference I have ever been to" by Martin Prigent from Aryza.

The event not only showcased the latest fintech tools but also provided a platform for collaboration, learning, and celebration within the sector. As we continue to lead the way in community-focused financial solutions, the conference has set the stage for further discussions and debates about the future.