A survey reveals alarming prospects for the UK’s fintech sector, with nearly half of the companies at risk of extinction by the end of 2023.
A survey warns that the UK’s fintech sector is facing a bleak future because figures show that by the end of 2023, nearly half of the companies in the field face extinction.
48 percent of businesses in the sector lacked confidence in their capacity to traverse the next six months, according to a survey of more than 250 fintechs by specialized business advice firm FRP. This lack of confidence was mostly caused by continued issues with inflation and interest rates.
According to FRP’s analysis, smaller businesses are at higher risk, with 52% expressing concerns about their solvency. Surprisingly, concerns about insolvency persisted even among fintech companies that were more established, as 38% of those that had at least 50 employees acknowledged that they were in danger.
These worries are probably exacerbated by the ongoingly difficult market environment, since 23% of the surveyed enterprises saw a drop in the value of their company during the previous year as a result of increased input costs. Nearly a third additionally forecasted that their valuation will continue to fall throughout the course of the following year.
Thinking forward
The analysis reveals a clear split in funding dynamics throughout the market, with many fintech firms experiencing anxiety about their future prospects. This shows increased competition among lenders and venture capitalists to support high-quality ventures.
In response to increased interest rates, 41% of fintech companies reported having more trouble obtaining capital over the previous year, while 43% said they had easier access to it.
The vast majority of individuals polled said they had reviewed and modified their exit strategies over the previous year. The majority of respondents preferred consolidation over the other options, but an upbeat one-third advocated a more forceful strategy that actively sought out fresh acquisitions. These results raise the prospect of an upcoming boom in M&A activity within the fintech industry.
Dan Conway, a partner and restructuring expert at FRP, emphasized the UK’s fintech industry’s reputation abroad. He emphasized, however, that the industry’s early-stage growth is primarily dependent on investor support as new goods and technologies gain popularity and become economically feasible.
“Interest rates and broader economic headwinds are clearly a challenge,” he added. “Funders will eventually become more diligent in how and where they deploy their capital, especially with other sectors offering potentially safer bets.”
“The sheer number of companies pursuing M&A strategies suggests many are still in good shape and are likely to drive a market reset in search of both fresh clients and inventive intellectual property.” The upcoming months will be critical for companies seeking consolidatory support in optimizing their business operations and potential profitability to create the greatest pitch for potential suitors or fresh investment.
Regional variations
The Midlands (58%) and North East (56%) had the highest risk rating, whereas northern cities like Manchester and Leeds (42%) were less risky.
Firms in London expressed similar levels of worry (46%) about their capacity to maintain business over the upcoming six months as the national average.
The study by FRP also revealed interesting details on the perceived barriers to gender equality in the industry, with female CEOs succeeding more often than their male counterparts. For instance, more than 50% of female decision-makers claimed an increase in the worth of their company in the previous year, compared to 38% of men who could make the same claim. A third of female fintech leaders also reported an acceleration in their career trajectory, demonstrating their growing influence in the sector.
