May 14th 2024 Meeting Review

In the second meeting of 2024, the Forum met to consider what it will take to create a competitor to the dominant retail payment methods in the UK and what needs to be done to encourage effective competition.

March 26th 2024 Meeting Review

The Garner Review and subsequent regulatory actions were the focus of a recent industry forum. While the review highlighted the need for change in the UK payments industry, concerns were raised about the limited scope, speed, and impact of the recommendations. Participants discussed the importance of cash, the challenges of Open Banking, and the need for a competitive landscape to drive down costs and improve services.

The recently published Garner Review of the Future of Payments confirmed several key trends in the payment industry such as a shift to card payments away from cash. Worryingly, it also stated that the UK is slipping down the global table of innovators in payments.

November 14th 2023 Meeting Review

The forum considered the potential for alternative payments infrastructure for micropayments, the rise of Bitcoin as a retail payment method and the potential for central bank digital currencies to play a major geoplotical role in the near future.

September 19th 2023 Meeting Review

The forum explored the future of payments, questioning the dominance of traditional bank-based systems. Discussions centered around the potential of digital cash and account-to-account payments as alternatives. While recognizing the challenges of implementing such changes, the group emphasized the need for innovation and consumer choice. The potential benefits of these new approaches include reduced costs, increased privacy, and greater control for individuals and businesses.

What are the keys to growth in fintech and payments businesses that go beyond the impact of cloud based computing and a mobile phone UX. What do investors need to do to ensure their assets are finding them?

Is the payments industry accidentally responsible for the rise of Big Brother?

UK pensions funds are being encouraged to invest in UK start-ups. The fintech and payments sectors offer great opportunities but also some significant challenges when investing. Witstock can help these funds find and manage these investments and reduce the risk.

Witstock launches Witstock Investor Portfolio Performance Services (WIPPS) or “portfolio steroids”.