London-based fintech group GoCardless has announced plans to open a new office in Leeds in hopes of tapping into the “rich talent pool and innovative spirit of the North”.
Scheduled to open later this year, the new GoCardless office will serve as the company’s base in the north of England with a team of 50 staff employed within the first 12 months of opening.
The Leeds location will be the firm’s third, with its headquarters in London and an international site in Riga.
“Leeds is one of the UK’s most vibrant financial and professional services centres, with a thriving fintech community and strong university network,” said GoCardless chief executive Hiroki Takeuchi.
The announcement follows the government’s Leeds Reforms project, a package of reforms for the financial services sector unveiled in July. The scheme was launched to drive greater retail investment, simplify financial regulations and encourage regional growth.
“It was a natural choice for our Northern Hub and with the introduction of the Leeds Reforms, this dynamic ecosystem will only grow,” Takeuchi added.
“We’re excited to become a key player in this fintech hot spot, tapping into a rich talent pool while also providing closer, more local support to our customers and partners across the region.”
Other financial institutions with a significant presence in the West Yorkshire city include the Bank of England, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and Leeds Building Society.
“I am delighted to see the plans for GoCardless to set up their new office in Leeds, delivering good, high-skilled jobs across the region,” said Chancellor Rachel Reeves.
“Just a few months ago I set out our Leeds Reforms, the plans to make the UK the top destination for financial services businesses by tearing down barriers to investment. We have brought stability back to the country, now we’ll build an economy that delivers for, and rewards, working people.”