FinTech Wales Skills Challenge returns to Cardiff Business School

Cardiff Business School was delighted to host the second FinTech Wales Skills Challenge, building on the success of last year’s inaugural event and further strengthening its collaboration with FinTech Wales.

The event, held on Wednesday 29 April 2026, provided an engaging and interactive opportunity for students to explore key themes in financial technology, artificial intelligence, and real-world business problem-solving.

Delivered in partnership with FinTech Wales, an independent membership organisation and leading advocate for the fintech and financial services sector, the event reflects a shared commitment to positioning Wales as a globally recognised hub of financial technology excellence.

Through initiatives such as this Skills Challenge, FinTech Wales supports the development of future talent while enabling closer connections between industry and higher education.

This year’s event brought together undergraduate and postgraduate students, including MBA participants, creating a collaborative environment that encouraged peer learning across different stages of study.

Students benefited from direct engagement with industry representatives from Confused.com, Deep Learn, and the Development Bank of Wales, whose contributions provided valuable insight into current sector challenges and opportunities.

A central feature of the day was an employer-led discussion exploring the opportunities and challenges that AI presents for Accounting and Finance graduates.

The session offered students a deeper understanding of how technological developments are reshaping the profession and highlighted the importance of adaptability and digital capability in future career pathways.

Students then took part in employer-led challenges based on real business scenarios. Working in teams, they applied their academic knowledge alongside creativity and critical thinking to develop practical solutions. These activities were designed to enhance key employability skills, including collaboration, communication, and problem-solving, within a supportive and industry-informed setting.

The event forms part of the Accounting and Finance Section’s ongoing commitment to enhancing student employability and strengthening links with the fintech ecosystem in Wales. By working collaboratively with organisations such as FinTech Wales, Cardiff Business School continues to provide opportunities for students to develop the skills and insights needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving sector.

Sincere thanks are extended to all colleagues and partners who contributed to the success of the event, including Jane Graves, Hao Li, Vogy Buanaputra, Eleanor Dart, Svetlana Mira, and Qingwei Wang.

Further thanks go to Rhys Griffiths from FinTech Wales and Jade Smithson-Perring from the Employer Engagement Team for their invaluable support.

Cardiff Business School looks forward to continuing its partnership with FinTech Wales to support the development of future talent and contribute to the growth of Wales’ fintech sector.