UBS Next $200m FinTech portfolio unveiled by UBS

By Robin Amlot

The UBS Next portfolio is the latest move by UBS to engage with FinTechs and the broader tech ecosystem. UBS plans to invest $200 million in digital ventures – starting with a strategic collaboration with global venture capital fund Anthemis, leveraging the latter’s expertise in FinTech investing – to accelerate deal flow origination. In addition, several direct investments are in evaluation.

“Connecting to FinTechs and tech start-ups through our innovation labs, digital factories, future of finance initiatives as well as project collaborations has always been key to remaining at the forefront of the digital movement to drive client experiences and operational excellence,” said Sabine Keller-Busse, Group Chief Operating Officer and President UBS Europe, Middle East and Africa.

Mike Dargan, Head of Group Technology, added: “UBS Next is a further step to accelerate our innovation efforts as well as to identify and apply the latest technology for our client businesses. With our investments through close collaboration with Anthemis, we widen our access to FinTech start-ups.”

UBS Next is focusing on:

• Codeveloping digital innovation and ecosystem through partnerships, research and innovation pipeline management, facilitated by centres of excellence;
• Modernising and modularising technical estates, leveraging new technologies, such as public cloud, microservices architecture, and AI; and
• Finding new and effective ways to engage with its clients and deliver its services, as well as evolving its business model to drive growth across UBS with cutting-edge technologies and solutions.

The portfolio’s investments will, said UBS, allow the bank to further strengthen connections to the FinTech ecosystem, ensuring closer strategic alignment with key partners and provides an upside when portfolio companies succeed.

UBS Next is primarily pursuing direct investments into early stage FinTechs and other relevant tech companies. In addition to direct investments, the portfolio will be funded exclusively by UBS and will be managed by a dedicated tech venture investment team with market-proven capital expertise.