SuperTech WM launches Open Innovation Lab to fight fraud through cross-sector innovation

Fintechs, lawtechs, regtechs, fraud-tech specialists and AI companies are invited to apply for the new programme.

SuperTech has launched the Open Innovation Lab: Fighting Fraud, a new innovation programme designed to bring together financial institutions, legal-sector organisations, fraud specialists, regulators, academics and technology innovators to address one of the UK's most pressing challenges. 

Confirmed partners include BNP Paribas Personal Finance, Equifax UK, Tipton & Coseley Building Society, Advance Credit Union, Clockwise Credit Union, Fieldfisher, HCR Law and Aston University. 

The programme will focus on the following industry-led challenge areas: 

• Authenticating Documentation and Reducing False Positives 

• Enhancing Trusted Digital Journeys and Strengthening Fraud Resilience 

• Dynamic Customer Outcomes for Real-time Fraud Protection 

• Identity Integrity Across Distributed Access Channels 

• AI-Enabled Fraud Detection, Investigation & Response 

• Exploring Emerging Risks and Opportunities in Agentic AI 

Developed in collaboration with industry partners, these challenge themes reflect some of the most significant fraud-related issues facing organisations today and provide innovators with the opportunity to address genuine industry needs. 

Successful applicants will gain direct access to financial institutions, legal-sector organisations, fraud specialists, regulators and academics. Fintechs, lawtechs, regtechs, fraud-tech specialists, AI companies and other innovators will have the opportunity to better understand industry challenges, refine their solutions against real-world use cases and gain valuable insight that can strengthen product development, improve market fit and accelerate their route to market. 

Hilary Smyth-Allen, CEO of SuperTech, said: 

"Fraud continues to evolve at pace, creating significant challenges for organisations, customers and communities. We're bringing together innovators, industry leaders, regulators and academic experts to explore practical solutions that can strengthen resilience, reduce harm and improve outcomes for businesses and their customers." 

Rachel Burton, Head of Innovation and Proposition Development, BNP Paribas Personal Finance, adds: 

"Innovation thrives when different perspectives come together. This programme creates a unique opportunity for organisations across financial services and beyond to share insights, challenge thinking and collaborate on cutting-edge solutions that can strengthen fraud resilience across the industry." 

Nigel Lang, Chief Information Officer, Fieldfisher, also notes: 

"Fraud is a challenge that cuts across sectors, which is why this collaboration being driven by SuperTech is so important. Bringing together legal services, financial institutions, regulators, academics and innovators creates a valuable opportunity to share knowledge, learn from one another and explore practical solutions to emerging threats." 

The programme kicks off on October 13th and will culminate with innovators presenting their solutions and insights to participating organisations, providing valuable feedback and helping them further refine their products, propositions and understanding of market needs. 

Previous SuperTech innovation programmes have helped participating businesses gain valuable industry insight, strengthen their propositions and develop relationships that have gone on to support pilot projects, commercial collaborations and new market opportunities. 

Applications for the Open Innovation Lab: Fighting Fraud are now open, with a deadline of Wednesday 30th September. SuperTech welcomes applications from fintechs, lawtechs, regtechs, fraud-tech specialists, AI companies and other technology businesses developing solutions that could help organisations tackle fraud more effectively. 

Comments from other progamme participants include:

Jason Griffith, Chief Operating Officer, Clockwise Credit Union 

"This programme gives credit unions the opportunity to learn from one another while also benefiting from the experience of banks, fintechs, legal firms, innovators and regulators. That exchange of knowledge is invaluable as we look to strengthen protection for members and improve digital services."  

Faye Bailey, General Manager, Advance Credit Union 

"Collaboration is one of the greatest strengths of the credit union sector. By working alongside fellow credit unions and learning from organisations and innovators across the financial services sector, we can explore new approaches to fraud prevention and deliver better outcomes for the communities we serve."

Craig Tebbutt, Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer, Equifax UK&I

"Fraud is constantly evolving, making collaboration essential. At Equifax, we help organisations manage risk and verify identities, and through this programme we're working with partners across financial services, legal services and academia to develop solutions that better protect individuals, businesses and communities."

Mark Ferguson, Chief Risk Officer, Tipton & Coseley Building Society 

"Customers expect services that are both secure and easy to use. Through collaboration with partners across the ecosystem, this programme will help us explore innovative approaches that strengthen protection, improve customer outcomes and support the high levels of service our customers expect."

David Hall, Partner Technology and Innovation Team, HCR Law

"Our clients rely on clear guidance and strong protection in an increasingly complex fraud landscape. By collaborating with organisations across financial services, regulation and technology, this programme enables us to contribute to innovative approaches that enhance fraud resilience and support improved outcomes for the individuals and businesses we serve.”

Dr Rasha Kassem, Senior Academic and Director of the Fraud Research Group, Aston University  

"Universities have an important role in bringing research and industry together. This programme provides an excellent opportunity to share expertise, work closely with businesses and help turn knowledge and evidence into practical solutions that can benefit various sectors."