The Investment Association (IA) has opened applications for the ninth cohort of its annual Engine Innovator Programme, a fintech accelerator for the investment management industry.

Engine is the IA’s fintech hub, which works with more than 150 fintech firms and partners to drive the adoption of technology in investment management.

The association noted that technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and tokenisation were “transforming” the sector and offered huge potential for the future of investment management.

The programme looks to support fintech firms that are focused on developing solutions for investments, operations, and distribution across the investment value chain.

Successful applicants will receive mentoring and industry exposure through the Engine Advisory Panel, consisting of 32 industry figures, alongside support from AI policy specialists.

Engine Innovator Programme applications run alongside applications for the Advanced Access Programme, an initiative that supports scaling fintech firms in connecting their solution to the investment management industry.

Applications for the programmes are open and close on 21 November 2025.

“Engine is proud to support fintechs at every stage of their journey as they continue to be instrumental facilitators of economic growth and drivers of innovation in the investment management industry,” said IA director of membership, enterprises and engine, Gillian Painter.

“Through technologies such as AI and tokenisation, these firms are reshaping operational efficiency, regulatory compliance and investor outcomes.

“We are thrilled to support these firms with the opening of applications for the next cohorts of Engine’s Innovator and Advanced Access Programmes, which offers tailored mentoring, strategic training and access to a global network of industry leaders.”

Engine Advisory Panel chair, Simon Swords, added: “I’m honoured to be chairing these vital initiatives that champion growth and innovation.

“Having seen firsthand the transformative opportunities these programmes create for both fintechs and the investment management sector, I’m excited to support their continued success and impact.

“Our participation in the 2020 cohort generated over £1m per year of new annual revenue that simply would not have been accessible without the support of the Engine and its panel.

“During that time, we received significant and material support and some really useful introductions to a number of our target clients.

“The ongoing support from Engine demonstrates its proactive and forward-thinking nature as well as underscores its pivotal role within the global fintech ecosystem.”

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