A collaboration to position the West of England as the UK’s leading region for green and ethical-led finance activities has been launched.
FinTech West, the organisation representing the burgeoning sector in the region, has teamed up with UWE Bristol’s Sustainable Economies Research Group (SERG) to get the initiative underway. 
It aims to bring together the significant cluster of purpose-led tech businesses in the South West with world-leading knowledge and expertise in ethical and green finance.
Alongside this it will also mobilise the community operating in the sector to drive critical research to inform future sustainable finance solutions in the region.
Relevant stakeholders and funders are now being identified to secure funding for research into the most impactful initiatives to focus on under the sustainable finance umbrella.
The initiative was launched at an event jointly hosted by UWE and FinTech West, supported by Bristol-based green investment firm Greenbank, Bristol City Council and the West of England Combined Authority (WECA). 
FinTech West director Stuart Harrison said: “In the South West we’re well versed in leading change, particularly when it comes to ethical, environmental and social impact initiatives, and we’re unique in having a large WealthTech focus within FinTech.
“This strategy provides a platform to bring together the many strengths of the region – from tech innovations to FinTech to climate action – to directly impact national issues such as climate change, financial inclusion, and ethical investment.”
UWE’S Sustainable Economies Research Group conducts ground-breaking research in the field of sustainable economy, with members drawn from across the university as well as externally.
Professor of Sustainable Economy at UWE, Peter Bradley, said with almost half of businesses in the West of England classified as ‘innovation active’, according to WECA, there was strong opportunity to develop research to analyse innovations and their capabilities to advance the sustainable economy.
The initiative also will contribute towards delivery of WECA’s West of England Plan for Innovation.
This plan identifies Sustainable FinTech as one of four key innovation sectors to deliver the authority’s regional priorities.
This is particularly around new and better products and services for climate and nature, securing high quality jobs and training for innovation, and putting the West of England’s world-class innovation cluster on the global map for investment and innovation excellence.
To get involved and to register for forthcoming workshops, visit https://forms.gle/jzcqpXh8ydsDofx59
