Author

Trilliam Jeong

Published

12 February 2026

Estimated Read time

4Mins

Trilliam Jeong, CEO at WealthBlock on why pairing credit discipline with real-time reporting will deliver a better position to hold onto investor confidence

There’s no shortage of noise around the direct lending market right now. On one hand, deal activity remains strong, capital continues to flow in and investor appetite hasn’t wavered. On the other, competition is fierce, rates are edging down and macro conditions are less forgiving than they were a year ago.

But strip out the headlines and the fundamentals still look solid. The demand is there, both from borrowers looking for speed and flexibility and from investors chasing yield and consistency. That puts direct lenders in a strong position, provided they’re prepared to adapt.

Operational Shift

One of the most significant shifts underway is operational. We’re seeing real adoption of technology across the mid-market from AI-assisted onboarding to fully digitised investor dashboards. This isn’t just cosmetic. Faster processes and clearer visibility mean capital can move more quickly, investors stay better informed and managers have more room to protect margins, even in a tightening spread environment.

LP expectations are shifting too. Many now expect a consumer-grade digital experience from the platforms they commit capital to. They want real-time access to reports, frictionless communication and clarity around how their money is being deployed. That shift in expectations is accelerating the tech arms race across the mid-market. It’s no longer about who can show the best deck but rather can deliver the best infrastructure. And as investor sophistication grows, that infrastructure is becoming a non-negotiable.

Digital Infrastructure

That shift is also influencing how mandates are awarded. Institutional investors increasingly view digital infrastructure not as a bonus, but as a sign of long-term readiness. Questions that once focused solely on deal pipeline and past performance now extend to data availability, reporting cadence and system resilience. It’s not just about what a manager can deliver but how transparently and reliably they can do it. As more allocators run tighter operational due diligence processes, digital maturity is quietly becoming a competitive edge. Platforms that can demonstrate consistent, tech-enabled processes are better positioned to win, and keep, capital.

That matters, because rates may not stay where they are. Increased competition is already putting pressure on pricing. But firms with strong digital infrastructure are better placed to absorb it. Operational leverage, not just headline yield, is becoming a key differentiator.

Scaling Up

There’s also the issue of scale. Consolidation is real and it’s reshaping the market. The biggest managers are only getting bigger and their resources are hard to match. But size alone isn’t the whole story. Technology is giving smaller and mid-sized players a way to compete on experience even if not on balance sheet. A seamless, professional, tech-forward investor journey can carry real weight with LPs, particularly those who value speed and clarity over brand.

That’s especially relevant for new entrants. There’s no shortage of managers in direct lending and standing out requires more than just a different strategy. Yes, some are carving out a niche in NAV lending, venture debt or structured credit but what really earns attention is trust. That comes from clear communication, repeatable processes and a level of transparency that goes beyond the marketing deck.

The Outlook for Lending

The macro outlook is part of the equation too. With corporate defaults expected to rise, discipline is going to matter more than it has in recent years. Underwriting strength, sponsor alignment and proactive portfolio monitoring are back in focus. Investors will be watching for signals that managers are prepared for downside risk. The tougher the environment, the more exposed weaker systems become. Inconsistent reporting, vague valuation logic or delayed updates might have been tolerated in a bull market – but not now. Allocators want to know how a manager will behave under stress, not just how they perform when everything’s going to plan. That makes operational maturity as important as deal-level returns.

Firms that pair credit discipline with real-time reporting will be in a better position to hold onto investor confidence. Allocators are already asking more pointed questions and looking for managers who can back up claims with data. There’s still plenty of room to grow in direct lending, but it won’t be enough to rely on past performance or broad market tailwinds. The firms that outperform from here will need to be efficient, responsive and trusted. In a more competitive, more transparent and more regulated market, those are the traits that will endure.

Learn more at wealthblock.ai

  • Blockchain & Crypto
  • Embedded Finance
  • Fintech & Insurtech

Author

Dan Brightmore

Published

25 September 2025

Estimated Read time

2Mins

Wells Fargo and Google Cloud have expanded their strategic relationship to deploy Agentic AI tools across the bank. As an early…

Wells Fargo and Google Cloud have expanded their strategic relationship to deploy Agentic AI tools across the bank. As an early adopter of Google Agentspace, Wells Fargo is equipping teams with AI agents that will help improve the customer experience, automate routine tasks, and unlock new levels of innovation.

With a strong commitment to responsible AI, Wells Fargo and Google Cloud are focused on modernising financial services and empowering employees with Generative AI solutions to deliver more personalised support and services. This strategic relationship reflects Wells Fargo’s dedication to innovation and transforming how the bank serves its customers.

About Wells Fargo

Wells Fargo is a leading financial services company that has approximately $2.0 trillion in assets. We provide a diversified set of banking, investment and mortgage products and services, as well as consumer and commercial finance, through our four reportable operating segments: Consumer Banking and Lending, Commercial Banking, Corporate and Investment Banking, and Wealth & Investment Management. Wells Fargo ranked No. 33 on Fortune’s 2025 rankings of America’s largest corporations. News, insights, and perspectives from Wells Fargo are also available at Wells Fargo Stories.

  • Artificial Intelligence in FinTech
  • Digital Payments

Author

Andrej Persolja

Published

28 August 2025

Estimated Read time

5Mins

We Fix Boring founder Andrej Persolja on why investors are making bigger bets on fewer teams via the impact of AI, enhanced profiling and better targeting

How founders can improve their chances of raising investment – team alignment, production and business differentiation, and customer-centered strategy. Creating a story that investors can easily understand and buy into.

If you’re planning a FinTech investment pitch, the chances are that your first thoughts will relate to the numbers. You’ll open your spreadsheets and dig out your margins, forecasts, CAC-to-LTV ratios, and KPIs. You’ll do everything you can to make your brand look impressive on paper. It’s what you’ve been taught to do because metrics matter. Of course they do. However, what many founders don’t realise is that although metrics clearly carry value, they should only ever be the starting point of any investment pitch. Because, at the end of the day, investors are people first, and their decisions are based on emotion as much as they are on money.

The Human Factor in FinTech Funding

Investors are not machines. It might sound like stating the obvious, but when so much hinges on investor approval, it can be hard to remember that you’re dealing with human beings. So, you focus on upselling your financial model, growth projections, and market opportunity, entirely overlooking the value of an emotional response. One influenced by your narrative, your team, your product vision, and your belief in your startup’s ability to reshape an industry. And that’s where so many fintechs go wrong.

In sectors like FinTech, where technical innovation is everywhere, what often sets a pitch apart is its ability to tell a compelling story. One that communicates not just what the product does, but why it matters. That emotional connection can often provide the edge that secures the deal.

Innovation often outpaces regulation in fintech, and profitability can be years away. So, what convinces an investor to take a bet on an early-stage startup? The potential return on investment matters and will always be a factor. But it’s rarely the only factor. Because there are countless high-growth opportunities out there. So why choose yours?

The answer is belief. Belief in your vision. Belief in your ability to execute. And the belief that your product solves a real, meaningful problem in a way that others haven’t. That’s why positioning, and the emotional resonance behind it, plays such a critical role in raising capital.

When fintech investors evaluate opportunities, they aren’t just looking at your tech stack or your runway. They’re asking themselves: What does this company stand for? What kind of disruption do I want to back? What values do I want my capital to reflect? If your pitch doesn’t communicate that clearly and emotionally, it becomes just another deck in a crowded inbox.

Strong positioning grounds your FinTech in something bigger than features or metrics. It communicates purpose. And when you pair that with an emotionally resonant brand narrative, you give investors a reason to care. Not just about your product, but about why it exists and where it’s going. Because trust, change, and vision are core themes that can move an investor from ‘interested’ to ‘committed.’

Crafting a FinTech Brand Narrative to Drive Investment

Building a compelling brand narrative in FinTech is no longer optional. It’s a critical part of your investment strategy. And it all starts with one fundamental question: What is your why? Beyond monetisation and market sizing, what real-world problem are you solving? Why does it matter now? Whether you’re streamlining payments, reimagining lending, or building infrastructure for digital finance, your deeper purpose is what sets your FinTech apart. And it’s what investors are really looking for. That, and a strong user experience (UX) that shows commitment to your customers and the potential to build loyalty.

The Role of UX in Investment Pitching

Traditionally, FinTech companies have been held back by one major challenge: compliance. But in today’s digital-first environment, where every player in banking, insurance, and payments is competing for speed, convenience, and trust, the challenge has become twofold: compliance and user experience.

In digital finance, the core area of competition is how quickly you can get the user to value. That means having crystal-clear user journeys and a focus on where and how users perceive value. Using one of my clients – a SaaS solution for institutional investors – as an example, by simplifying the user experience across our landing pages and onboarding, we increased conversion from 0% to 37%. That didn’t just improve user experience. It provided quantifiable traction that could be shown to investors. And if you need to prove traction to investors, every click matters.

With FinTech investment rebounding – up 5.3% in H1 2025 compared to 2024 – now is the time to act. But standing out means more than just showing attractive metrics. Investors want a clear narrative that combines numbers with a strong strategic story. They’re looking for confidence in the team, clarity in the vision, and proof that your product is ready to scale. Both operationally and emotionally.

So, to reiterate. Yes, if you’re preparing an investment pitch for your FinTech, the financial model matters. But seasoned investors know markets shift, projections change, and competition intensifies. A fintech company that can articulate a powerful vision, show traction through product-led growth, and tell a story that resonates on a human level will always have an edge.

So, take your ideas and take your numbers, and make them look as pretty and appealing as possible. But don’t forget to wrap them in a story if you want to spark your investor’s imagination. 

We Fix Boring

  • Artificial Intelligence in FinTech

Author

Dan Brightmore

Published

30 April 2025

Estimated Read time

2Mins

Read in brochure format

Deepak Parameswaran, Sector Head – Energy, Manufacturing & Resources at Wipro, talks innovation with National Grid’s Global Head of Data Strategy Andrew Burns

Partners for over 25 years, Wipro and National Grid have been laying the foundation for progress… By taking data to the cloud, creating value and leveraging their common work to deliver advanced, data-driven innovations across the National Grid enterprise.

Meeting the transformation challenge

As a utility, National Grid seeks to provide safe, affordable, and reliable electric and natural gas service for its customers. As such, the company is hyper-focused on natural gas, electricity grid modernisation, customer satisfaction and the integration of business and technology processes across the entire business as gas and electricity demand increases across the markets. Wipro offers actionable solutions, providing the innovative technology and domain expertise necessary for organisations like National Grid to transform and become leaders in sustainability within their respective industries.

Delivering bespoke solutions for Innovation

Traditional utility technologies can pose challenges in terms of complexity and capital investment. With Cloud and AI technologies emerging as game changers, Wipro delivers a proven ecosystem, incorporating analytics, IoT, Generative AI, and Augmented Reality, tailored to meet the needs of customers, assets, and grid management. This makes for easier, scalable, and faster to market solutions that allow National Grid to quickly realise the benefits.
Wipro’s Utility Enterprise solutions have delivered on key elements of the digital transformation journey at National Grid. This allows for a constant data presence across the globe, creating a common, secure cloud environment.

Wipro’s partnership with National Grid

Wipro’s collaboration with National Grid continues to be built on a foundation of continuous innovation, with a commitment to:

  • Staying ahead of utility business trends
  • Supporting National Grid’s clean energy transition
  • Developing sophisticated data and AI solutions for enhanced customer service
  • Maintaining agility to address emerging challenges

“Wipro has been our biggest partner in executing use cases through the Innovation Lab, enabling us to be agile and deliver multiple projects with direct, tangible business benefits. Their support has been vital in ensuring a clear, efficient process and rapid execution, making them key to our success.”

Andrew Burns, Global Head of Data Strategy, National Grid

Click here to read more about National Grid’s Innovation story

  • Data & AI
  • Digital Strategy
  • People & Culture

Author

Dan Brightmore

Published

15 July 2024

Estimated Read time

4Mins

FinTech Strategy hears from Till Wirth, EVP of Product at Wise Platform, to find out more about its mission to make international payments fast, low-cost, convenient and transparent

At Money20/20 Europe in Amsterdam, Till Wirth, EVP of Product at Wise Platform, took part in an impactful session titled “From Personal Payments to Enterprise: The Changing World of Cross-Border.” Wirth’s panel talk focused on the transformative trends in cross-border payments and their implications for both personal and enterprise financial transactions.

“Wise is a global technology company building the best way to move money around the world. Wise Platform is Wise – but for banks, large businesses and other major enterprises.

We allow our partners to embed the best way to send, receive and manage money internationally into their existing infrastructure, creating value for their business and customers.

Over the past decade, Wise (formerly known as Transferwise) has built a global payments infrastructure that has revolutionised how money moves around the world. Now, thanks to Wise Platform, other companies can gain access to our industry-leading, reliable service seamlessly.

We save partners time and money by allowing them to deploy new products and services to customers seamlessly, helping them to speed up innovation and serve, retain, and grow their customer base.”

FinTech Strategy spoke with Wirth to learn more…

Tell us about the genesis of Wise… Why is this an exciting time for the company?

“For us at Wise, it’s all about continuing towards our mission of making international payments fast, low-cost, convenient and transparent for our customers and partners.

It’s an exciting time for us as we’ve moved over £118bn on behalf of our 12.8 million active customers in the last financial year and helped them save more £1.8bn in fees. Over 62% of Wise’s transfers are completed instantly (in 20 seconds or less). Wise Platform, our global payments infrastructure for banks and enterprises is growing quickly, too, which allows us to bring the benefits of Wise to more people around the world.”

Tell us about your role…

“I lead the Wise Platform Product team building the global payments infrastructure for banks, financial institutions and enterprises around the world. For example, my team built the product behind the collaboration we announced with Swift last year.”

What are some of the key challenges financial institutions are facing that you can help them with? What problems are they asking you to solve?

“Consumers now expect their cross-border payments to be instant, convenient and transparent. And they are moving to providers they can trust to provide these services. As a result, we’re seeing banks focusing on retaining and winning back their customers through improving their cross-border payments experience. This is exactly what Wise Platform is helping them to do.

We work with more than 85 partners globally, including Bank Mandiri, Indonesia’s largest bank by assets, Shinhan Bank, one of South Korea’s oldest and largest national banks, and GMO in Japan to provide them with the capabilities, technology and network to enable fast, secure and cost-effective international payments for their customers. Quickly, directly from their own apps, without any major technical overhaul.”

Tell us about a recent success story…

“In June this year, Wise Platform hit a major milestone when our integration with Nubank, the world’s largest digital banking platform with over 100 million customers, went live.

Thanks to our partnership, Nubank’s premium Ultraviolet customers can now access multi-currency accounts and debit cards powered by Wise directly from their Nubank app. Customers benefit from a convenient user experience that we’ve tested and iterated over the years for our own customers to seamlessly manage their finances internationally.”

Why do you think the evolution of collaboration between banks and fintechs is set to continue?

“One of the reasons is that while banks have scale, they can gain agility in non core focus areas by working with fintechs and deliver significant customer benefits quickly.

Most banks have been built to focus on domestic banking, meaning their global cross-border payments are often not a priority. However, fintechs are better able to specialise and focus on one specific customer pain point. This means they can innovate much more quickly.”

Why Money20/20? What is it about this particular event that makes it the perfect place to showcase what you do? What’s the response been like for Wise?

“It’s a great event that brings the industry together and enables us to discuss the progress we’re collectively making. This year in particular, it was great to be on a panel to discuss how the cross-border payments landscape is evolving and the latest trends we’re seeing. We look forward to the upcoming event in the US later this year.”