While overall fintech investment in Europe dropped in H1’19 to $13.2 billion aross 307 deals, VC investment in fintech remained strong – on pace to set a new record annual high should investment levels continue.

Although the UK saw the highest volume of fintech deals in Europe, Germany and France saw the two biggest deals of H1’19: the $6 billion acquisition of Concardis and the $1.3 billion acquisition of eFront. Norway also saw a big transaction in the $383 million acquisition of Oslo Børs VPS Holding by EuroNext.

Total investment activity in fintech in Europe - Bargraph
Quote by Anna Scally
Analysis of investment in Pulse of fintech H1'19 in Europe - infographic
Quote by Meital Raviv

Trends to watch for in Europe

Looking ahead to H2’19, fintech activity and investment is expected to continue to grow, with some focus on Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) given the new rules coming into effect. There is also expected to be increased interest in comparison platforms for banking services. Digital banking is expected to remain a hot topic as challenger banks focus on international expansion. In the UK, Brexit will continue to be a key area to watch as the new October deadline draws near.

Quote by Sina Steidl Kuster