Howden and FinTech West Form Cyber Resilience Alliance

Howden Salisbury has formed a partnership with FinTech West to address cyber threats across financial services firms in South West England. The collaboration follows a joint event in Bristol that connected leaders from FinTech, insurance and cybersecurity sectors.

The December 2025 session brought together experts from the National Cyber Security Centre, which operates as part of GCHQ alongside specialists from CFC Underwriting and Navos Technologies. Participants examined how organisations can prepare for and respond to cyber incidents through insurance and technical measures.

FinTech West operates as the representative body for financial technology firms in the South West region. The organisation connects startups, scaleups and established financial services companies with resources and industry relationships.

The partnership will continue through a programme of events and engagement activities. These initiatives aim to create opportunities for knowledge sharing between FinTech firms, insurers and technology providers.

Bristol event examines cyber risk

The initial session carried the title Cybersecurity: From Prevention to Protection. Contributors explored the full lifecycle of cyber risk, from prevention and mitigation through to response and insurance protection.

"The cybersecurity session highlighted the value of open discussion between FinTech, technology and insurance organisations," says David Willis, Divisional Director of Howden Personal Lines.

"We're pleased to be partnering with FinTech West to support further conversations and engagement across the sector."

The event format created a platform for discussion around how organisations can better prepare for cyber threats. Participants examined how cross-sector collaboration could address the complexity of modern cyber risks.

Insurance and prevention strategies converge

The collaboration reflects an approach where organisations combine technical defences with insurance protection. This method recognises that cyber resilience requires coordination between industries and shared intelligence.

Financial services companies face exposure to cyber attacks that could result in operational disruption and financial loss. The partnership aims to equip organisations with strategies to reduce risk and respond when incidents occur.

The focus extends beyond prevention to include preparation for recovery and business continuity. This approach addresses both the immediate response to cyber incidents and longer-term resilience planning.

Regional collaboration expands

Stuart Harrison, Director of FinTech West, says: "Our December cybersecurity event showed how valuable it is to bring different parts of the industry together to discuss shared challenges.

"This partnership with Howden helps us continue creating opportunities for those conversations and connections both within our existing community and those external to it."

The partnership builds on momentum from the initial Bristol event. FinTech West has positioned itself as a connection point for financial services firms, investors and technology providers in the region.

Howden Salisbury operates as part of Howden Group Holdings, an insurance broker with operations across personal and commercial lines. The firm's involvement in the partnership provides access to insurance expertise and risk management resources.