Financial Services Review: Specials Magazine

Information is abundant. News reports, podcasts and posts all compete for the same fleeting moments of attention, making communication one of the most valuable currencies in modern business. FT Strategies, the specialist consulting firm owned by the Financial Times, helps organisations transform that attention into relevance and lasting value in a noisy digital world. “We often say that every company is now, in some way, a media company,” says Joanna Levesque, FT Strategies’ managing director. “What we mean by that is every organisation produces content to reach its audience and build credibility.” The idea is rooted in observation. Technology has transformed not only how people consume information, but how they form trust. Financial institutions that once competed on performance or product innovation now compete on how effectively they connect with clients, investors and the broader market. A report from an investment firm, a white paper from an insurer or a video from a private equity house are all part of the same attention economy. Yet, too often, they remain static outputs rather than dynamic channels of engagement. That’s where FT Strategies steps in. Its “Create, Distribute, Monetise” framework turns communication into a living system, integrating strategy, storytelling and data into one continuous loop. It helps clients decide what to create, how to distribute it and how to monetise it through measurable impact. Designing for the Attention Economy The starting point is always the audience. The question is no longer “who is the audience” but “what earns their time.” FT Strategies helps research teams meet that expectation by translating dense analysis into formats that fit real behaviour through interactive reports, modular summaries, dashboards that allow users to explore raw data and formats that move as quickly as the questions they are trying to answer. It is a deliberate way to turn institutional knowledge into experiences that deepen engagement and signal which content is truly premium.

Financial Licensing Services Provider

A prominent trend in Europe is the continuous strengthening of regulations, particularly regarding small payment institutions. While these evolving regulations aim to ensure secure financial operations, they have made the licensing process more intricate. E-commerce companies find themselves under increasing scrutiny. However, rather than viewing this as an obstacle, it's an opportunity for innovation and adaptability. That is where BMP Global empowers growing companies in the fintech world, helping them establish fruitful partnerships and navigate the regulatory landscape with ease. BMP Global specialises in financial licensing solutions integrated with core banking software, offered as SaaS or on-premises options. It streamlines the establishment of payment institutions by connecting clients with the right financial partners. The comprehensive solution suite of BMP Global offers a complete package of integrated fintech solutions that includes license acquisition, seamless integration with financial institutions, and essential core banking software. Clients have the flexibility to choose between software rental or purchasing tailored solutions to their needs, making BMP Global a one-stop destination for all fintech requirements. The wide array of licensing solutions includes the highly sought-after Canadian-based Money Services Business (MSB) license, which is in high demand throughout Europe. It makes customer onboarding easier and provides greater flexibility for fintech operations. Clients can save time by purchasing a company that already has a pre-obtained license and can focus on their business while BMP Global takes care of the licensing process. “We bring all these essential elements under one roof, offering a holistic solution to our clients, ensuring that their financial ventures flourish with simplicity and excellence,” says Eugene Fedyanin, chief business development officer at BMP Global. The in-house IT division, with a dedicated team of 500 developers, helps clients in implementing these solutions and leveraging the complete benefits brought by its technology. Whether it's incorporating special modules, meeting specific regulatory requirements, or seamless enterprise resource planning (ERP) platform integration, BMP Global excels in delivering tailored features, including crypto wallet integration, for a dynamic fintech solution. It also optimises processes for time and cost efficiency in navigating complex regulatory requirements within the financial sector, and its customer-centric guidance expedites procedures while making sure all formalities are met, empowering clients to navigate intricate processes effectively and achieve their fintech goals. [CIOS_QUOTES_REPLACE]For clients dealing with the complexities of multiple international depots, BMP Global simplifies the process by helping them establish in-house financial institutions, providing streamlined solutions for money remittances. This service significantly reduces the intricacies associated with dealing with various countries' banking systems, enhancing operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The firm supports clients looking to venture into simple trading operations, providing expert guidance and facilitating the establishment of basic trading systems. Aspiring entrepreneurs aiming to build complex financial entities akin to renowned companies like TransferWise or Revolut benefit from its comprehensive guidance. An example of this capability can be seen when one of its clients initially focused on standard online currency exchange operations aimed to expand its services. Their goal was to develop a comprehensive money remittance platform that went beyond simple currency exchanges, enabling customers to seamlessly open accounts and conduct payments. In this scenario, BMP Global stepped in as a pivotal partner, embarking on a collaborative journey with the client. It played a central role in assisting the company by facilitating the acquisition of necessary licenses, orchestrating complex integrations, and implementing essential software solutions. This partnership brought their visionary platform to life. BMP Global champions adaptability. It connects payment institutions with new jurisdictions and licenses to navigate evolving regulations. Its client-centric approach fosters lasting relationships. It recognises opportunities in underserved regions, offering substantial double-digit growth over the next decade. In this dynamic landscape, BMP Global's expertise in knowledge and adaptability shines.

Financial Risk Management Services Provider

Skilled hedge advisors with deep expertise in financial risk management are key to enhancing financial stability and ensuring businesses secure favourable outcomes in structured financing. Noveo Finance has been a dominant force in this specialised field for the last 15 years, providing clients with hedging solutions that mitigate the impact of interest rate fluctuations, foreign exchange risks and inflation volatility. An independent consultancy firm specialising in financial risk management, Noveo Finance excels at advising clients on structured financing transactions, particularly in infrastructure projects that require substantial capital and long-term financial planning. Many of these come with extended financing terms, where interest rate sensitivity is a key factor. It works closely with project sponsors, utilities, independent power producers and financial investors to ensure that projects are structured to mitigate financial risks, shield against market fluctuations and maintain stability. "We provide tailored solutions built on our expertise, ensuring each client receives an optimised strategy suited to their specific project," says Oscar Fernandez España, managing partner. These strategies safeguard infrastructure investments by addressing financial uncertainties that arise from extended financing structures. Even minor interest rate fluctuations can significantly impact financial outcomes. For instance, a five-year facility carries a different risk profile than a 30-year loan, where prolonged exposure heightens financial vulnerabilities. To address this, the company structures hedging strategies that optimise financing conditions and allow sponsors to secure financial terms early, minimising exposure during negotiations. Noveo Finance strengthens financial stability by implementing pre-hedging strategies, reducing the risks posed by interest rate and foreign exchange volatility throughout the extended timeline of project finance transactions. This ensures investments remain financially sound despite shifting market conditions. Clients also approach the company for greater transparency in derivative pricing, particularly regarding cross-value adjustments, which include counterparty credit risk and funding value adjustments that influence pricing structures and transaction costs. These highly technical adjustments make expert monitoring critical to maintaining fair pricing and securing the best financial results. This is necessary for refinancing transactions, where restructuring existing hedging strategies can significantly optimise financial efficiency. It helps clients navigate these complexities, ensuring optimal pricing structures and financial outcomes.

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EDITORIAL

Shifting Dynamics in UK Strategy Consultancy

The strategy-consulting profession in the UK is taking on a shape markedly different from what it was a decade ago. What used to be dominated by long PowerPoint decks, 100-page reports, and generic frameworks is now evolving into a domain defined by agility, technological fluency, and deep specialisation. The firms that thrive are increasingly those that combine analytical precision with real-world execution, offering clients not just advice, but tangible transformation. One of the defining currents reshaping the field is the integration of artificial intelligence and data analytics. Consultants now exploit large datasets, apply predictive analytics, and often deploy AI-driven tools to generate real-time insights, enabling more precise, future-oriented strategic recommendations. There is also a growing demand for specialised and niche consulting services. Rather than a one-size-fits-all model, many organisations now seek advisers with deep expertise in discrete areas, from cybersecurity and ESG compliance to energy infrastructure and sector-specific digital transformation. As clients themselves undergo rapid change, this need for targeted expertise becomes more acute. Likewise, the consulting engagement model itself is evolving. More clients are seeking real impact, measurable transformation, and long-term value rather than periodic advice. As strategy advisory becomes deeply entwined with execution, firms are responding by offering more tailormade, outcome-oriented value propositions. This edition highlights FT Strategies that help media and other customer-centric organisations grow sustainably through strategy, commercial optimisation, operational transformation and data- and AIdriven innovation. We also feature the expert perspectives of Stefan Rauch, Head of Compliance, VP Bank AG, and Sotiris Papakonstantinou, Head of Risk Management at Optima Bank. These esteemed professionals share their invaluable insights on developments and challenges within the sector, along with potential solutions. We hope these valuable insights from industry leaders featured in this edition will assist you in making informed decisions for your businesses.

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