The Fintech Power 50 Annual 2025

Why strong boards drive fintech success

In fintech, innovation moves at lightning speed. Founders and leadership teams are often absorbed by product development, fundraising, customer acquisition and regulatory hurdles. Yet, one of the most powerful – often underutilised – drivers of sustainable growth is the board of non-executive directors (NEDs). A strong board brings perspective, governance, and networks that can accelerate a company’s journey from startup to scale-up, and ultimately to exit or IPO. Different stages, different needs Startups often rely on founder energy, vision, and agility. But first-time entrepreneurs may lack experience in fundraising, compliance, or structuring partnerships. At this stage, NEDs can fill knowledge gaps, introduce investors, and provide credibility. Research shows that startups with strong advisory boards are more likely to attract funding and survive beyond their first five years ( Harvard Business Review, 2017 ). Scale-ups and mid-sized private companies face new challenges: international expansion, regulatory complexity, talent retention, and competitive pressures. A well-composed board can guide strategic decision-making, ensure sound governance, and help identify acquisition opportunities. According to McKinsey (2020), scale-ups with effective boards grow revenue 20 to 30 per cent faster than peers. Public companies must comply with the UK Corporate Governance Code, which requires independent oversight and transparent reporting. At this stage, boards play a crucial role in risk management, investor relations, and protecting long-term shareholder value. Evidence from the London Stock Exchange shows that firms with strong

governance frameworks enjoy higher valuations and lower cost of capital. For example, during my time as a NED at SafeCharge PLC, we scaled rapidly and eventually sold the company in a £700million trade sale. It was the board’s mix of skills – M&A, compliance and industry networks – that helped position us for that outcome. That journey reinforced to me how a strong board creates lots of value for the founders, shareholders and employees ( FINTECH Circle, 2019 Interview ). Top 10 reasons why a strong board accelerates growth Drawing from my experience, here are the top 10 reasons why fintechs should invest in strong boards early: 1 Strategic guidance: Boards challenge assumptions and sharpen strategy, preventing tunnel vision. 2 Fundraising support: NEDs often open doors to angel investors, venture capital, private equity, or strategic investors. 3 Governance and compliance: Strong boards help companies anticipate regulatory risks, especially critical in fintech. 4 Credibility with stakeholders: Having respected board members signals maturity to investors, clients, and regulators. 5 Risk management: Boards oversee enterprise risk, from cybersecurity to operational resilience. 6 Talent and leadership development: NEDs support succession planning and help attract top executives. 7 Partnerships and M&A: Experienced directors can identify acquisition targets or strategic alliances. 8 Preparing for exit: Boards help structure companies for IPOs or trade sales, ensuring smooth transitions. 9 Valuation enhancement: Strong governance and oversight correlate with higher company valuations (PwC, 2021).

10 Long-term sustainability: Boards balance short-term growth with long-term resilience, ensuring fintechs thrive in evolving markets. Why this matters now The fintech sector continues to attract billions in global investment, but capital is increasingly selective. Investors seek assurance that companies are not only innovative but also well-governed and scalable. In this environment, boards are no longer a ‘nice-to- have’ – they are a competitive advantage. The conclusion... Fintech founders often view boards as a formality or compliance requirement. In reality, they can be a secret weapon for growth. By providing strategic guidance, opening doors to funding, and steering companies through complex regulatory and operational challenges, a strong board can multiply the success of a fintech business at every stage of its journey. As someone who has advised and served on fintech boards for over a decade, I have witnessed first-hand how the right mix of expertise, networks, and governance can transform outcomes. For founders, the message is clear: invest as much thought into building your board as you do your product – and watch how it accelerates your growth.

Susanne Chishti is an experienced board member, chair at FINTECH Circle, non-executive director at Crown Agents Bank (CAB Payments PLC)

and chair of the ESG Sub-Committee. She is also a successful fintech investor, FTSE Board member and keynote speaker at leading industry conferences globally.