IA Engine opens ninth FinTech accelerator cohort

October 8, 2025

The Investment Association (IA) has opened applications for the ninth cohort of its flagship FinTech accelerator, the Engine Innovator Programme.

The initiative, run through the IA’s specialist FinTech hub, Engine, aims to drive technological innovation and adoption across the investment management industry. Engine currently collaborates with more than 150 FinTech firms and partners, serving as a central platform for advancing technology-driven transformation in the sector.

Technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and tokenisation continue to reshape investment management, offering new efficiencies and opportunities across the value chain. The Engine Innovator Programme is designed to support FinTech firms developing innovative solutions for investment operations, distribution, and client engagement. Selected participants will gain access to expert mentoring, industry exposure, and practical support tailored to scaling their impact within the industry.

Participants will also benefit from guidance from the Engine Advisory Panel, which consists of 32 senior industry figures. The programme culminates in a showcase event during the IA’s Global Emergent Technology Conference, set to take place in London on 12 March 2026. This event provides a major platform for the selected FinTechs to present their technologies to investors and key industry stakeholders.

Alongside the Innovator Programme, the IA is also running applications for the Advanced Access Programme, a complementary initiative that connects scaling FinTech firms with the investment management community. Now entering its third cohort, the Advanced Access Programme provides enhanced access to industry networks and strategic support for FinTechs ready to deepen their market engagement.

Investment Association director of membership, enterprises and Engine Gillian Painter said, “Engine is proud to support FinTechs at every stage of their journey as they continue to be instrumental facilitators of economic growth and drivers of innovation in the investment management industry. Through technologies such as AI and tokenisation, these firms are reshaping operational efficiency, regulatory compliance and investor outcomes.

“We are thrilled to support these firms with the opening of applications for the next cohorts of Engine’s Innovator and Advanced Access Programmes, which offers tailored mentoring, strategic training and access to a global network of industry leaders.”

Engine advisory panel chair Simon Swords said, “I’m honoured to be Chairing these vital initiatives that champion growth and innovation. Having seen firsthand the transformative opportunities these programmes create for both FinTechs and the investment management sector, I’m excited to support their continued success and impact. Our participation in the 2020 cohort generated over £1m per year of new annual revenue that simply would not have been accessible without the support of the Engine and its panel. During that time, we received significant and material support and some really useful introductions to a number of our target clients. The ongoing support from Engine demonstrates its proactive and forward-thinking nature as well as underscores its pivotal role within the global FinTech ecosystem.”