Barclays invests in United Fintech, expands bank investor group

Barclays has acquired a minority stake in United Fintech, making it the fifth global bank to invest in the London- and Copenhagen-based FinTech consolidation platform. The move expands United Fintech’s roster of strategic bank shareholders, which already includes BNP Paribas, Citi, Danske Bank and, most recently, Standard Chartered.

The investment gives Barclays a seat on United Fintech’s Board of Directors and underscores the growing interest among large financial institutions in industry-neutral platforms that can streamline access to specialised FinTech solutions. United Fintech has positioned itself as an infrastructure layer connecting banks, asset managers and wealth managers with a curated portfolio of technology providers.

The partnership follows a year of accelerated expansion for United Fintech. In 2025, the company completed two acquisitions, bringing its portfolio to seven FinTechs. It now operates 11 offices globally and employs more than 200 people. Its recently acquired capabilities span commercial banking, capital markets and investment management, with a focus on modernising legacy infrastructure and enabling secure deployment of AI-driven innovation through a single access point.

“We’re excited to partner with United Fintech to accelerate digital transformation across the industry. United Fintech’s approach to scaling proven FinTech innovation aligns closely with our vision for future-ready financial services,” said Ryan Hayward, Head of Strategic Investments at Barclays.

Christian Frahm, CEO and Founder of United Fintech, said Barclays’ entry strengthens the company’s effort to build an industry-wide ecosystem. “With AI accelerating across financial services, industry-wide collaboration has never been more important. With Barclays now onboard, we further strengthen our industry-wide adoption, and United Fintech is well on its way to becoming the trusted ecosystem for enabling that collaboration,” he said.

Danske Bank, an existing investor, welcomed the addition. “We are pleased to welcome Barclays as an investor and Board Member, further strengthening the group of global banks backing United Fintech. We remain excited about the prospects of United Fintech delivering real innovation through solutions delivered to well-established financial institutions built on a trusted governance of delivery,” said Claus Harder, Head of Group Strategy & M&A at Danske Bank.

The deal reflects a broader industry trend in which large financial institutions are deepening ties with FinTech-scaling platforms to accelerate digital transformation while mitigating integration and governance risks.