Ireland can become a global leader in the $55bn fintech sector

Rural Kerry has the potential to be the Silicon Valley of fintech, provided broadband and transport issues are addressed

Paschal Donohoe, Minister for Finance, at Fexco headquarters in Killorglin Co Kerry with, from left, Dr Ciarán Seoighe, deputy director general, Science Foundation Ireland, Denis McCarthy, chief executive, Fexco, and Professor John O’Halloran, deputy president UCC Valerie O’Sullivan

Fintech, the intersection between finance and technology, has experienced huge growth. In 2018, global investments in fintech ventures doubled year on year to $55.3 billion, due to a surge in funding in China and gains in other markets.

Fintech is rapidly evolving, moving well beyond being the realm of start-up disruptors. Many financial services incumbents are now making substantial R&D investments, due to the significant opportunity for technology to both transform and disrupt ...