Richard Mummery, Head of Client Success, Iliad Solutions reports back.
It was a privilege to attend Money20/20 in Amsterdam as part of the FinTech North delegation, proudly flying the flag for the Northern Fintech Powerhouse that Leeds (Iliad’s base) and the surrounding regions have become. Together with industry colleagues from Liverpool, Manchester, West Yorkshire, and the North East (Newcastle), we demonstrated the depth and diversity of innovation around payments in the North of England, covering everything from Open Banking to traditional card rails.
Being part of a collective delegation created opportunities not just for visibility but for meaningful collaboration. A real highlight was being invited to record a podcast on operational resilience, which will be released later this year—watch this space! It was great to forge deeper relationships with the Fintech North delegation.
It’s good to talk
The atmosphere at this year’s Money20/20 felt a little different to usual as I talked to people across the three days. Some remarked on the quieter vibe, but many agreed that this allowed for deeper conversations and more genuine collaboration. While many attendees were sales-focused, there remained a welcome openness to explore partnership opportunities—especially on the final day when the pace slowed and conversations became more relaxed.
We caught up with TAG Systems, who also have a Northern-based team and are making exciting moves into virtual card solutions—transitioning away from traditional plastic. Day 2 brought a valuable breakfast briefing hosted by the Department for Business and Trade, where Colin Payne from the FCA introduced “Innovation 2.0”, a refreshed framework including enhanced sandboxes and an AI lab—tools designed to help UK fintechs become global leaders. Google’s Karen Zhang also shared details about their recent hackathons and workshops—collaborations we’re keen to explore further with our tech teams.
A standout stat for me from Money20/20 was: 70% of the UK’s financial services industry is now based outside of London. A powerful reminder of the important role regions like ours play in the future of finance.
International collaborations were also high on the agenda. Another memorable moment came through our growing connection with FinTech Atlanta. A collaborative boat ride through the Amsterdam canals turned into a productive networking opportunity, tying together Atlanta’s emerging fintech scene with Leeds’ thriving ecosystem. With Iliad already having team members based in Georgia, it’s an exciting relationship we’re looking forward to nurturing.
On a lighter note, BBC Radio 1’s Annie Mac closed out Day 2 with an immersive disco house DJ set that reminded everyone why Money20/20 isn’t just about business—it’s about energy, connection, and fun too.
Day 3, often quieter due to the previous night’s festivities, ended up being one of the most productive. I had more relaxed but focused conversations and continued building international links—particularly with the Bulgarian delegation and Global App Testing, a company whose approach could complement ours in future projects.
It’s always refreshing to discover new opportunities, meet old connections and forge new lasting relationships.
In conclusion
Attending Money20/20 2025 in Amsterdam as part of the FinTech North delegation provided the opportunity to strengthen our existing partnerships, explore new collaboration prospects—particularly around virtual cards and AI-driven innovation—and gain valuable insights into the evolving fintech landscape. Engaging with global players, regional partners, and international delegations helped reinforce Iliad’s strategic positioning, while events like the FCA’s “Innovation 2.0” launch and connections with FinTech Atlanta aligned directly with our growth ambitions and expanding international footprint.
Let’s Stay Connected
If we didn’t get a chance to connect in Amsterdam and you’re interested in learning more about Iliad’s world-class payment testing solutions, we’d be delighted to connect.