NatWest Group, one of the UK's largest banking groups, has revealed the eight companies selected to join its 2026 FinTech Programme, with the announcement made at a launch event in London.
The cohort is made up entirely of early-stage, AI-focused businesses tackling a range of challenges across financial services, including customer vulnerability, financial crime, compliance and risk management.
12-week programme is built around the theme of how artificial intelligence is reshaping customer experience, and targets pre-Series A and Series A companies developing responsible, customer-led AI tools.
This year's selection follows a competitive application process drawing founders and innovators from across the UK, as well as a founder roundtable hosted by NatWest.
The eight companies joining the programme are:
NatWest's FinTech Programme forms a central part of the bank's broader innovation strategy. Participants will collaborate closely with NatWest's Open Innovation team, receive mentorship from senior leaders within the organisation, and gain access to NatWest's innovation ecosystem through workshops and in-person events. The programme is focused on exploring potential collaboration opportunities across the bank.
NatWest Group director of innovation David Grunwald said, 'All of the fintechs joining this year's programme are using AI in innovative ways - whether maximising the opportunities it presents or providing solutions to some of the challenges faced by banks and our customers. From safer AI adoption and better protection for vulnerable customers, to smarter risk management and simpler business banking, this cohort demonstrates the power of focused collaboration. We are excited to work closely with these teams and explore how their solutions could help shape the future of banking.'