Fintech Without Frontiers seeks opportunities for Ukrainian refugees
A fintech sector initiative has called upon businesses in the UK to take part in its drive to connect Ukrainian refugees with career opportunities.
Fintech Without Frontiers is an industry led-initiative created by Ozone API to support displaced people by connecting them with opportunities in the fast-growing fintech sector.
It said Ukraine is a centre of excellence and expertise in tech innovation, so many refugees have skills which will be useful to fast-growing businesses.
Fintech Without Frontiers said it will help people who have fled their homes to find work in the growing UK fintech sector, which saw investment volumes reach $37.3bn (£29.7bn) in 2021, up from $5.2bn in 2020.
Fintech Without Frontiers said businesses that wish to support its endeavours can sign its manifesto and provide work opportunities that can be carried out remotely or with visa support.
The manifesto includes pledges to provide fair compensation, to undertake an appropriate recruitment process, and to work sensitively with candidates who may be interviewing in a second language or have endured trauma during the invasion.
Fintech Without Frontiers is an industry collective made up of companies including Ozone API, Moneyhub, RegAlytics, Allica Bank, Monese, Acin, Muse Finance, Ordo, Bloom Money, The Payments Association, Open Banking Excellence (OBE) and Innovate Finance.
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“It’s heart-breaking to see the situation unfolding in Ukraine,” said Huw Davies, co-founder and chief commercial officer of Ozone API.
“We wanted to do something, but we aren’t able to write big cheques like major corporations can.
“What we can do though is hire talent. There are many more businesses like us in the fintech sector, so we felt we could do something positive by creating a collective and working together to expose all of the growth opportunities in the industry to the displaced talent when they start to rebuild their lives.”
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“We are proud to be working with Fintech Without Frontiers,” said Helen Child, founder of OBE.
“A remarkable idea brought to life by some truly dedicated people behind the scenes across fintech, all pulling together with a common purpose.
“It is a wonderful demonstration of how when you get great people together amazing things happen. It’s a privilege to be able to play a part in sharing more about Fintech Without Frontiers with our community.
“Fintech thrives on talent, creating so many opportunities that can be resourced by Ukrainian refugees and providing new perspectives for employers, hope and opportunity for the brave hearted Ukrainians, who have already taught us so much.”