COVID StartUp GFA Exchange named in the UK's Fintech Top50
By Joel Blake
2 minutes 13 seconds
Growth

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Quick Read: GFA Exchange, a pioneering fintech startup, earns a spot in The Fintech50 for 2023 by BusinessCloud, affirming its place among the top 20 innovative financial technology creators in the UK.
GFA Exchange, the pioneering fintech startup launched during the pandemic, is proud to announce its selection as one of The Fintech50 for 2023 by BusinessCloud. This prestigious recognition places GFA Exchange within the coveted top 20 most innovative financial technology creators in the United Kingdom.
BusinessCloud developed a shortlist of 173 companies including well-known global players across digital banking, card payments and trading. Being named within the Top 20 of The Fintech50 is a testament to GFA Exchange's dedication and pioneering approach to redefining the landscape of finance, focusing on inclusivity, data, and AI-powered technology. The platform's proprietary AI-powered, data-driven software solution is transforming the financial industry by assisting finance providers in mitigating risk, reducing operational costs, and eliminating unconscious bias. This, in turn, unlocks fresh growth opportunities for underserved businesses.
Joel Blake OBE, Founder & CEO of GFA Exchange, expressed his gratitude for this recognition, saying,
"We're thrilled to have been chosen for The Fintech50 for 2023. It reaffirms our commitment to reshaping finance through inclusivity and data-driven solutions.”
Mr Blake, who was awarded an OBE for Services to Business Support and Enterprise in 2016, stated,
“This acknowledgment is not just a testament to our hard work from our dedicated team, but also to the invaluable support we've received from our partners and advisors. It is an honour to represent inclusive innovation in this space, to help finance providers unlock new growth opportunities for underserved businesses."

BusinessCloud's Fintech50 list identifies the most forward-thinking and innovative technology companies in the UK. This accolade recognises GFA Exchange's significant contributions to the fintech industry and its dedication to enhancing financial inclusion, whilst adding value to finance providers committed to delivering inclusive and sustainable finance practices.
As part of the celebration, GFA Exchange is offering a FREE portfolio audit to 20 organisations eager to discover which of their business clients are best positioned for growth and why. Interested parties are encouraged to reach out to explore this opportunity.
For more information about GFA Exchange and its pioneering financial solution, please visit
www.gfaexchange.com
About GFA Exchange:
GFA Exchange is a fintech startup founded in 2019, dedicated to reshaping the financial industry through inclusive, data-driven, and AI-powered support. The company's proprietary AI-powered software solution assists finance providers in mitigating risk, reducing costs, and eliminating unconscious bias, to unlock new growth opportunities for underserved businesses.
GFA Exchange partners with organisations across the banking and financial services sector.
Website: www.gfaexchange.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gfaexchange
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West Midlands Poised to Lead UK’s AI Revolution, Says KPMG Partner

Private firms in the West Midlands are outpacing the rest of the UK in their plans to adopt artificial intelligence (AI), positioning the region at the forefront of digital innovation, according to KPMG’s Andy Bostock.
With the UK Government’s AI Opportunities Action Plan aiming to cement the country as a global leader in artificial intelligence, the West Midlands is already taking significant steps in that direction. The plan, launched earlier this year, highlights how AI can modernise public services — and private sector companies across the region are responding to the call with enthusiasm.
According to KPMG’s Private Enterprise Barometer, published in December, 83% of West Midlands private firms are planning AI investments — well above the national average of 73%.
Andy Bostock, Senior Partner at KPMG, said:
“The most successful companies are those viewing AI not as a cost, but as a strategic investment in long-term growth and resilience.”
The West Midlands, with its strong roots in engineering and manufacturing, is well-positioned to reap the benefits of AI. From optimising supply chains to enhancing talent acquisition and predictive maintenance, AI applications are already transforming business models.
A recent joint report by KPMG and UKTN found that accelerating AI adoption across manufacturing and engineering will be essential to meet the region’s tech sector goal of reaching a £100 billion valuation by 2030.
The region is home to over 300 AI-focused businesses employing more than 11,000 people, forming one of the most dynamic digital clusters in the UK. Yet, Bostock stressed that the journey is just beginning.
To fully harness AI’s potential, businesses must establish strong, adaptable data frameworks and integrate AI solutions that align with their existing operations. This includes practical tools like chatbots for customer service, predictive analytics for inventory management, and AI-driven insights for marketing and long-term planning.
Andy Bostock added:
“Real business value comes from identifying where AI can enhance existing strengths. It’s not about starting over, it’s about getting smarter.”
As the region doubles down on digital transformation, Bostock believes cutting through the AI hype and focusing on measurable outcomes will be key to unlocking its full potential.
By Anushka Malhotra
11 Apr
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