NatWest Group, one of the UK’s largest banking and financial services organisations, has opened applications for the second year of its Fintech Programme, set to run in 2026 and aimed at supporting FinTechs using artificial intelligence to transform customer experience in financial services.
The 2026 Fintech Programme is a structured 12-week initiative designed to help early-stage FinTechs explore collaboration opportunities with NatWest Group.
Successful applicants will receive support from the NatWest Innovation team, access mentorship from senior decision makers within the bank, and benefit from connections across NatWest’s wider innovation ecosystem. The programme also includes in-person events and workshops, some of which will be hosted at NatWest’s Accelerator Hubs, including its new London Hub.
This year’s programme builds on the success of the previous cohort and places a strong emphasis on emerging technologies such as agentic AI and smart devices.
It is targeting pre-series A and series A FinTechs that have demonstrated product-market-fit and early traction, and that are developing solutions for the “customer of the future”.
These may include tools that improve engagement and customer relationships in an AI-led environment, create immersive banking experiences beyond traditional apps, or provide better support for vulnerable customers.
David Grunwald, director of innovation at NatWest Group, said, “The pace of advances in AI and technology is fundamentally changing how customers interact with financial services. To stay ahead – whether through new channels, emerging technologies, or smarter engagement – innovation and collaboration are non-negotiables. Fintechs play a vital role in meeting these challenges, so it’s essential we support them to thrive as we come together to shape the future of banking.”
Nicky Goulimis, co-founder at Tunic Pay, said, “Joining NatWest’s Fintech Programme gave us a unique opportunity to connect directly with the bank’s teams and learn from their experience serving millions of customers. The access and support we received helped us understand how our platform could make a real difference for NatWest’s business and its customers. Working together, we’re now able to pilot new ways to protect people from fraud and scams, using technology to make banking safer for everyone.”
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