Future Space resident company Clarion Bond announces its Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) registration as the Bristol-based hub continues to support fintech innovation in the South West.
The forex broker, co-founded by managing director Stuart Harrison and chief operating officer James Scarff, recently received its official license to trade as a fully regulated payment institute and is now supporting SMEs and corporates with low-cost and flexible international payments.
With foreign exchange services provided by banks notorious for carrying high charges and hidden costs, Clarion Bond is providing a more transparent alternative aiming to save companies money as well as easing the international payment process and supporting risk management.
The company is one of many driving the growth of the fintech sector in the South West, employing financial services technology to provide customers with lower prices, greater flexibility and an online portal with which to easily manage their own currency exchange.
Stuart also directs FinTech West, the high-profile representative body for fintech in the region and part of the FinTech National Network, organised and supported by Innovate Finance.
Future Space, the innovation hub managed by Oxford Innovation (OI) on behalf of the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol), is supporting the regional focus on fintech, facilitating collaboration for residents companies such as Clarion Bond with the university and other businesses in the ecosystem.
On the FCA announcement, Stuart said: “We’re thrilled to be serving businesses in the South West and beyond, as well as helping to pave the way for fintech companies in the region.
“With Future Space as our base, we are empowered by the connections that the hub makes possible. We wanted to combat the default of utilising London suppliers and our location has helped us established regional contacts in order to support the Bristol fintech movement.
“Centre director Martin Reid and innovation director Laura Stevens are committed to driving collaboration between Future Space businesses as well as collaboration with UWE Bristol too, and these connections could prove invaluable to any of the residents at the hub.”
Martin commented: “It’s fantastic news that our resident Clarion Bond has now received its FCA licence.
“James and Stuart have a shared wealth of experience in the foreign exchange market and in working with technology start-ups, and given their involvement with the FinTech West initiative and their support for the growth of the sector, the company is set to make waves in the region.”
