Bandera Agency

🌍 The UK market has long been a fertile ground for fintech startups. However, after achieving success in the domestic market, the next logical step for many growing companies is expansion beyond British shores. Recently, Yonder, a credit card fintech celebrated for its lifestyle rewards card, raised £23.4 million to fuel its ambitious expansion outside the UK. Co-led by RTP Global and @ Repeat Ventures, with backing from LocalGlobal, Seedcamp, and Northzone, this latest funding round adds to the £62.5 million raised last year, boosting the company’s valuation to over £70 million. 🤔 As Yonder sets its sights on new horizons, it highlights a common aspiration among many startups: the quest for growth beyond the local market. While the prospect of expansion is thrilling, entering new territories comes with its own set of challenges. With that in mind, we decided to talk about the key risks that can accompany the journey: ▪️ Cultural and Regulatory Barriers: Every market has unique cultural elements that significantly impact consumer behaviour and business practices. While navigating local laws and regulations can be a complex and time-consuming process, do truly dig in. Failing to understand these differences can lead to severe consequences—and no one wants that. ▪️ Competitive Landscape Challenges: You might be fabulous and incredible as you are, but entering new markets means competing with others - established local and international players. As a new entrant, one must find ways to differentiate themselves from the pack and avoid price wars, which can quickly erode profit margins. ▪️ Financial Risks and Investment Uncertainties: Sad part. Initial investments for market entry can be hefty, and it might take time to see returns. Financial uncertainties like market volatility and currency fluctuations can further complicate profitability. ▪️Operational Complexities and Logistical Challenges: Managing supply chains in new markets can introduce disruptions and inefficiencies, affecting product availability and customer satisfaction. Make sure you are good at juggling varying standards and regulations—challenging tricks, to say the least! ▪️ Loss of Control and Brand Dilution: Fasten your seatbelts and hold the wheel. Maintaining control over operations and ensuring a consistent brand identity can become increasingly difficult as businesses grow. The threat is more significant than it seems, as a diluted brand may lead to customer dissatisfaction, ultimately harming the company’s overall reputation. 🧗♀️ So, here’s your friendly reminder: while dreaming big is essential, successful expansion requires sharp planning and an awareness of these potential pitfalls. Aim high, but take it step by step. And when the path seems unclear, Bandera is here to help guide you through each one! #FintechGrowth #MarketExpansion #RiskManagement #Startups #BanderaInsights

In the shadows of the Budget’s fright, Taxes loom and give a scare tonight. Fintech’s haunted by a rising rate, Startups whisper, “Will we find our fate?” 👻 This is Halloween; it's time for some truly spooky stuff! A drum, a drum! the Budget doth come! The first Labour budget in 14 years. Shall we talk?  🗣️ Announced yesterday, the new Budget from Chancellor Rachel Reeves brings key changes that could impact UK fintech: - Taxation Impact: Higher capital gains tax rates (up to 24%) and increased employer National Insurance may affect investment and growth, especially for startups reliant on funding. - Business Rates Relief: Retail, hospitality, and leisure businesses gain relief, but fintech isn’t directly included. - Inflation & Growth: OBR forecasts moderate inflation and slight growth, signalling stable but cautious growth opportunities. 🤔 So, where do we go from here? Some sources say nearly 43% of fintech founders are considering moving operations abroad due to regulatory and support concerns, while others view the measures as stabilising for financial planning. 🧟♀️ Is this Budget a trick or treat? What’s your take? #TrickOrTreat #FintechForecast #LabourBudget2024 #BanderaInsights

Dear friends, I had a privilege to host a fireside chat on a cooperation in a competitive environment in Fintech and AI. I am thankful to IT Ukraine Association and techUK for this amazing event. Despite the war we have in Ukraine, we have a lot to contribute to developed economies. It is achievable through cooperation in many areas. As Igor Bartkiv mentioned, UK lacks such services as Diia. And Ukraine is able to deliver it overseas, too. Together with my panelists Alexandra Govorukha and Vit Nuzhnyi we discussed ways to cooperate in Fintech and AI. AI is just another tech we use. However, it has to be transparent to be used widely, Vit mentioned. And we see real world examples. US treasury for example, used AI to recover $4 billion from fraud this year—triple of amount from the previous year. I prepared for the fireside chat some thoughts and numbers. I am gladly sharing them with you. In 2024 alone, global fintech investment reached a staggering $51.9 billion in just the year's first half. The UK continues to lead Europe, surpassing the combined total of the rest of the continent. Meanwhile, the US remains the global leader. These numbers speak to a booming industry where AI increasingly intertwines with fintech innovation. And when we add in the $31.7 billion invested in generative AI, it’s clear that we’re witnessing a massive transformation—reshaping industries like finance, healthcare, legal services, and many, many others. We at Bandera Agency gladly help our fintech and bank partners implement best marketing practices with or without AI. Thank you, and let’s have a coffee if you would like to discuss fintech marketing or AI. And bonus for my readers: POV of a fireside chat moderator :) #banderaagency #ai #fintech #fintechmarketing

🗝️ The key to growth lies in the exchange of ideas, and at Bandera Agency this spirit of ongoing dialogue is at the heart of everything we do. It's even more gratifying when our values align with those of the organisations we are a member of. 📌 Once again, the IT Ukraine Association is excelling in bringing like-minded professionals together, this time through the Tech Unity: UK & Ukraine event. The event will unite government and business leaders to foster vital discussions on current technology trends, opportunities for collaboration and innovation. ➡️ We hope you’ve registered and secured your place. Our director Maksym Paraska will be moderating the Fireside Chat: 'Cooperation in a Competitive Environment: Fintech & AI.' It promises to be a fascinating discussion and, most importantly, a valuable opportunity to connect and collaborate! ☑️ The event’s agenda also features several key elements, as well as networking: - Future of Ukrainian innovations in the British tech ecosystem; - Ukraine & UK cooperation in a competitive environment (Fintech & AI); - Global IT market: diversity, inclusiveness, oversupply. 🇬🇧🌐🇺🇦 Organised in partnership with the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine, it is set to promote meaningful dialogue on the challenges and prospects of cooperation between the UK and Ukraine. 🤝 See you there! #ITUkraineAssociation #Networking #BanderaInsights #AI #Fintech

🌟 Top 3 Must-Attend Fintech Events in London 🌟 We prepared a list of exciting fintech events in London to attend before the end of 2024. These events offer opportunities to make connections that can ignite your next big move, whether you're a start-up founder, a seasoned industry player, or simply curious about the latest trends. 1. Fintech Talents Festival by VC Innovations 📅 11–12 November 2024 📍 The Brewery, London The festival will bring together fintech leaders, C-level executives, and innovators to explore the digital transformation of financial services. Discussions will cover macroeconomic trends and changing customer behaviour and provide critical insights into the evolving landscape. With eight specialised stages, the event offers a comprehensive look at the fundamental forces shaping the future of fintech. 2. Finance Magnates London Summit by FM events and Finance Magnates 📅 18–20 November 2024 📍 Old Billingsgate, London FMLS:24 promises to be a premier gathering for leaders in fintech, online trading, digital assets, and payments. Focusing on innovation, regulatory developments, and market trends, this event will provide an essential platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and business development, helping attendees stay ahead in the competitive financial landscape. 3. FinTech Connect by Alpha Events 📅 4-5 December 2024 📍 ExCel, London The event fosters collaboration and innovation across the entire ecosystem by bringing together a diverse mix of fintechs, financial institutions, start-ups, investors, and merchants. With stages dedicated to breakthrough technologies, industry leadership, and future trends, FinTech Connect offers a comprehensive view of the advancements driving fintech forward, setting the stage for transformative partnerships and business growth. Bonus Events: 📅 Fintech Fringe Events 📍 TBC, London Would you be interested in adding something extra to your fintech calendar? Fintech Fringe and Calypso Harland offer a series of events, including Rise and Shine in collaboration with Rise, created by Barclays - relaxed, exclusive meetups. These exclusive gatherings are necessary for fintech leaders seeking actionable insights from seasoned practitioners and scaling experts. The events cover crucial topics in the industry and more, offering invaluable knowledge to help guide your growth in the year ahead. ☕ What a way to wrap up the year! The industry is evolving rapidly, and keeping up with the latest developments can be challenging. But fear not—Bandera is here to help, and we hope this summary will assist you in channelling your energy most productively. Not to mention, we'll be there, too! We'd love to meet you to exchange insights and forge meaningful connections. Reach out, and let's schedule a coffee! 😲 Did we miss any events? If you plan to attend something else, let's ensure we're all in the loop! #FintechEvents #LondonFintech #Networking #BanderaInsights

🚨 Recently, we discussed the sharp turn on the Fintech road caused by the proposed hike in CGT (Capital Gains Tax). Now, it's time to really fasten your seatbelts, as the UK has just unleashed a world-first fintech shake-up that has startups feeling a bit of turbulence. Starting October 7, payment service providers must pay compensation of up to £85k for victims of authorised push payment fraud—and all within five days. While it's a victory for scam-hit consumers, smaller fintech companies are sweating over security and compliance. 😰 Originally, the liability cap was a monstrous £415k, which fintechs feared would send them running for the hills. After a fierce lobbying campaign, it was trimmed down, but the £85k cap still has some investors wondering about fintech fading into the horizon and "compliance burnout." 💸 Additionally, startups will also have to handle payouts manually for now. The reason is delays with an automated platform. Picture this: while trying to fight fraud, they'll be drowning in paperwork, as if it wasn't expensive already! 💀 Nevertheless, the silver lining is a surge in anti-fraud innovation, with new fintechs sprouting up to tackle the problem. But critics say it's not enough – scammers still lurk on social media, and this regulation doesn't affect them. Whether this rule will reduce scamming is up for debate, but one thing's for sure: the world's fintech eyes are glued to the UK now. Let's see if this grand experiment works… or sends more startups to the fintech grave.  #PushPaymentFraud #FintechRegulation #AntiFraudInnovation #FintechTurbulence #BanderaInsights

Today, our Founder and Director, Maksym Paraska, is attending the CogX Festival Leadership Summit in London. This event gathers global leaders and visionaries to explore the future of #AI and its profound impact across industries. At Bandera Agency, we’re excited to see how AI is transforming #fintech and #marketing, driving innovation and growth. If you’d like to connect with Maksym to discuss the future of AI in digital marketing and fintech, he’d be happy to meet during the summit. #AIleadership #TechInnovation #MarketingTransformation #BanderaAgency #CogX

🎯 Clients come to us looking to turbocharge digital sales, and we know it’s not just about quick results - it’s about long-term success. A deep dive into your current setup uncovers exactly where to level up and make those numbers sing. Come closer as here are 5 tips from our Roman Pilipenko: 1️⃣ Employee Motivation in Performance Marketing. Always goes first. Does the company have a realistic incentive programme? Do employees believe their targets are achievable? Quite often businesses create overly complex programmes with 10-12 metrics, many of which are tough to reach or even beyond employees' control. Because of this, your team may truly struggle to hit even 50% of their KPIs, which reduces the overall efficiency and motivation of the team. 2️⃣ Ensure Clarity of Goals with OKRs. A lack of such clarity suggests the company lacks a structured approach to goal-setting. In our practice we've seen companies where KPIs are set for the entire team, without considering individual contributions. Where does it lead? To collective irresponsibility, as no one is truly accountable. Clear sign of the need to review the management system.  3️⃣ Is There a KPI That Unites All Teams? Effective performance marketing requires shared goals across teams - product, marketing and commercial. When everyone works towards a common objective, for instance ‘increasing loan issuance’, it creates synergy. However! Each team also needs specific KPIs they can directly influence - to ensure accountability and prevent a vague division of responsibility.  4️⃣ Regularity and Quality of Presenting Performance Marketing Results. How frequent is the plan-vs-actual analysis? How long the reporting period lasts? A cheeky tip: monthly reviews might indicate a lack of flexibility, especially in today’s fast-changing market. Weekly reports allow you to quickly respond to changes, manage the situation and ensure synergy with other teams.The more frequent the review, the better conditions for adjustments and achieving your goals.  5️⃣ Feel free to experiment! Performance marketing thrives on constant experimentation. Without regular testing and updates, staying competitive is tough - market conditions shift too rapidly. Remember: your success depends on your team's ability to adapt quickly and launch new campaigns. Ideally, 30% of the team's time should focus on process improvements, testing new creatives, strategies, and tools. This continuous cycle of testing and adapting is the basis of effective performance marketing. ✔️ As you can see, effective performance marketing is a topic that invites endless discussion and exploration. But as Walt Disney wisely put it, "The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing." We may not have Mickey Mouse in the Bandera Team yet, we're here to turn your goals into reality. So, get in touch, and let’s start the countdown to your success! #BanderaTeam #BanderaInsights #PerfomanceMarketing #Success #MarketingMetrics

🚨Heads Up, UK Fintech Community! 🇬🇧 As the new UK government warns us about tough decisions ahead, there's some serious chatter about a proposed hike in capital gains tax (CGT) to 45%. The UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves is anticipated to unveil tax increases in the budget on October 30, which may include a hike in capital gains tax, aimed at addressing a significant £22 billion shortfall in public finances. 💼 In response to that, UK fintech leaders are raising alarms over potential tax increases that could harm not only the sector's growth, but its global competitiveness as well: the proposed rise might undermine the UK's status as a leading fintech hub. Top voices of the sector, such as Janine Hirt of Innovate Finance and Paul Taylor of Thought Machine, warn: such an increase would make employee stock options — critical for attracting talent to startups — much, much less attractive.  📉 Consequences? A talent drain with skilled workers opting for better opportunities at larger companies or even moving abroad. The UK’s fintech sector has been booming and driving economic growth, however the changes could potentially push UK fintech from one of the most favourable to one of the least attractive tax regimes in Europe. 💬Industry leaders are urging for some exemptions to protect “earned capital gains” and keep those crucial incentives intact. Nothing else left but to hope the government listens and takes action to support the sector. 🤔 What’s your point of view? Will this tax change stifle innovation or is it a necessary move? Share your thoughts below! #Fintech #TaxPolicy #UKEconomy #Startups #BanderaInsights

If your company isn’t yet using chatbots to interact with customers, then Karina Sanko post is just what you need.