A group of finance professionals discussing tech at Future Finance's Glasgow event

Collaborative Challenge Programme

Get paid to shape the future of financial services.

About the Collaborative Challenge Programme

We’re on a mission to reshape the future of the financial services sector in the UK. From opening up access to financial services for vulnerable communities to preventing fraud and creating more diversity in the sector – we’re tackling all the hot topics affecting the sector.

And that’s where you come in. We need different voices from across the sector to contribute to the discussions and help deliver real, impactful outcomes.

A group of people brainstorming with sticky notes for a future finance business idea

How does it work?

Identifying the challenges

Challenge themes are identified by our expert academics, who are at the forefront of technological and social change within the sector. These themes are informed by insights from industry leaders and policy experts to address the sector’s most critical needs.

Collaborative working groups

Working groups are formed to explore these themes through online and in-person workshops or hackathon-style events. These groups include:

Financial service providers

Technology innovators

Policy, regulatory and compliance experts

Academics and researchers

You will be paid a fee of up to £75 per session for your participation.

All discussions in our sessions are held under Chatham House rules: participants are free to use the information received, but the identity or affiliation of speakers and participants must not be revealed.

If you would like to be acknowledged as the source of a particular contribution within our research materials or write-up, we will happy to do so.

Understand the process

Future Finance Collaborative Challenge Programme model

Outcomes

The Collaborative Challenge Programme is designed to create tangible, positive outcomes for the sector. Each challenge will result in:

A report will be published with recommendations.
Identification of tech adoption or development that could overcome challenge
A training or support measure will be identified
Identification of any further research required

Why take part?

There are many reasons to get involved in the Collaborative Challenge Programme, including:

Build your professional network: Collaborate with like-minded professionals across the financial services sector.

Drive innovation: Be part of the solution by contributing to cutting-edge discussions that shape the future.

Be a thought leader: Stay at the forefront of new ideas and strategies within the industry.

Explore your passion: Deep dive into topics that align with your interests and expertise.

Get paid: Receive compensation for your valuable insights and time.

Themes we have covered

Harnessing generative AI to support personalised and cost-efficient advice services for individuals with diverse needs and those underserved by current financial advice
Women entrepreneurs' access to finance
18-25 year olds and access to advice.
Community outreach research - Accessing financial services for underrepresented and underserved backgrounds in Bristol
BNPL -Understanding user motives to influence the sector to meet those needs and to support more effective regulatory development
The capacity and responsibility for innovation in corporate & FS environments: Can there be a corporate structure for innovation?
How can credit unions respond to challenges from/loss of customers to buy-now-pay-later fintechs?
Detecting and preventing consumer harm from financial fraud and scams
Can financial service products, services and operating models be designed to advance environmental sustainability across the finance and fintech sectors, whilst remaining profitable and retaining clients?

Learn how financial institutions can better support women entrepreneurs by tackling structural barriers, including three proposed industry-level solutions to help close the persistent finance gap

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Explore how innovative strategies can drive efficiency, growth, and effective risk management, while fostering collaboration and accountability — generating sustainable value for organisations and society through meaningful, lasting change.

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This report reveals the behaviours, challenges and sentiments of people using Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) services, providing insights and recommendations to craft tailored products and services that meet their needs.

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This report provides a deep understanding of consumer behaviours, challenges, and sentiments related to financial inclusion, wellness, and literacy in underserved communities.

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African-Caribbean women in Bristol shared insights on savings habits, financial literacy, and trust in financial institutions, highlighting what meaningful financial inclusion looks like in their lives.

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Stakeholders from underserved communities in Bristol shared their experiences with financial services and apps, revealing barriers to access, usability issues, and cultural disconnects — and highlighting opportunities for more inclusive, user-centred design.

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Uncover how the the barriers faced by neurodiverse entrepreneurs are not personal limitations, but often the result of financial systems designed around neurotypical assumptions.

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