J.P. Morgan has selected the London-based fintech start-up Glyde for its prestigious Fintech Forward Programme, a highly selective 12-week accelerator focused on early-stage firms creating innovative financial services solutions. Glyde, positioning itself as a “borderless currency” platform catering to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), was chosen as one of only 15 UK fintechs admitted to the 2025 cohort. The programme runs from September 10 to November 26 and aims to help founders refine strategy, build industry connections, and accelerate growth through intensive mentoring and access to the bank’s resources.

Glyde’s platform is designed as a transparent, digital-first alternative to traditional foreign exchange (FX) brokers, supporting multi-currency accounts and payments in over 50 currencies. It offers real-time pricing and automation tools that allow clients to hedge or schedule currency transfers without the need for dealer negotiations. The company, which recently secured £450,000 in pre-seed funding to enhance its onboarding process and automation capabilities, aims to serve SMEs with predictable, low-cost FX solutions that eliminate hidden fees and broker markups. This approach seeks to differentiate Glyde in a crowded market where established players such as Wise and Revolut Business compete aggressively for SME customers, while traditional banks continue to dominate larger FX transactions.

J.P. Morgan’s Fintech Forward Programme blends practical workshops, personalised mentoring, and exclusive networking opportunities with executives, payments experts, and product teams from the bank. Participants benefit from hands-on experiences such as a two-day offsite at J.P. Morgan’s Glasgow Technology Centre, biweekly sessions in London, and a trip to the Slush Helsinki event—all with travel and accommodation expenses covered. These elements are designed not only to help fintechs scale but also to foster an inclusive ecosystem that supports underserved communities and improves career pathways across the UK. Veronique Steiner, Head of EMEA Innovation Economy at J.P. Morgan Payments, emphasised the bank’s commitment to leveraging untapped potential to shape the future of financial services and drive a more equitable financial landscape.

Ellis Taylor, Glyde’s CEO and co-founder, expressed pride in joining such a competitive cohort, highlighting the programme as a crucial milestone that offers valuable insights from industry veterans and opportunities to connect with like-minded disruptive founders. The accelerator’s credibility and J.P. Morgan’s extensive network are seen as vital components for Glyde to sharpen its product development and secure partnerships that could scale its borderless payments platform. Previous participants in the Fintech Forward Programme have used it to forge partnerships and attract further investment, underlining the practical value of the bank’s hands-on approach.

Glyde’s platform leverages infrastructure by Currencycloud to provide scalable international payments with a focus on transparency and automation. Features include an FX calculator that exposes typical hidden costs and automated payment triggers at target rates, allowing SMEs to manage currency risks more effectively. The platform supports both supplier payments and customer collections, positioning itself as a comprehensive currency automation solution that responds to SMEs’ needs for clarity, simplicity, and control over their cross-border financial flows.

J.P. Morgan’s deeper investment in UK fintech, exemplified by the Fintech Forward Programme, is part of a broader £40 million, five-year commitment to support innovation and sustainable growth in the region. By targeting fintechs with live products and revenues under £1 million, the programme aims to bridge critical funding gaps and facilitate fintechs’ journeys from early traction to scalable market presence. This strategic initiative also aligns with the bank’s ambition to nurture technology-driven financial solutions that advance inclusivity and address underserved markets.

In an increasingly competitive SME FX landscape, Glyde’s self-service, transparent model backed by J.P. Morgan’s expertise and network could provide it with the credibility and resources needed to distinguish itself and expand its footprint. The combination of fresh capital, cutting-edge automation, and prestigious accelerator support positions Glyde as a promising fintech contender looking to disrupt traditional brokers and empower SMEs with more equitable, efficient currency management tools.

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Source: Noah Wire Services