Ep.119 - Fintech at Full Speed: Will Webber on Market Shifts, Strategy and Real-World Growth
Fintech at Full Speed: Will Webber on Market Shifts, Strategy and Real-World Growth
Fintech continues to accelerate as capital conditions tighten, expectations rise and firms place greater emphasis on sustainable growth. In this episode of Adviser 3.0 The Podcast, Will Webber shares a grounded and practical perspective on how the sector is evolving and what drives meaningful progress when markets move quickly.
Will’s career spans the British Army, institutional asset management, wealth management and professional services. That breadth of experience gives him a clear view of leadership, followership and the habits that support long-term commercial success across fintech and financial services.
From the Military to Modern Financial Services
Will’s early career in the Army shaped his understanding of accountability, teamwork and decision-making under pressure. Those lessons continue to influence how he operates in commercial roles, particularly when navigating complex environments and fast-moving markets.
Transitioning into financial services required adapting to new structures, language and expectations. Will reflects on how those early experiences helped sharpen his approach to leadership, reinforce the importance of ownership and build confidence in unfamiliar settings.
Why Relationships Sit at the Centre of Growth
Across every stage of Will’s career, one principle has remained consistent. Growth is built on relationships. In fintech, where businesses are often scaling rapidly while managing uncertainty, trust and connection play a defining role.
Will explains why being genuinely engaged, curious and helpful creates stronger outcomes than transactional selling. Effective networks develop over time by understanding challenges, sharing insight and connecting people to the right expertise at the right moment.
This relationship-led approach mirrors how much of the UK fintech sector continues to grow, driven by collaboration, innovation and shared problem-solving.
Followership, Not Only Leadership
A key theme in the conversation is followership. While leadership is often highlighted, Will argues that progress depends on bringing people with you. That applies equally to internal teams, technical specialists and external partners.
In professional services and fintech, success relies on collaboration and trust. Business development works best when practitioners believe in the direction of travel and feel part of a shared objective. Will draws on his military background to explain how earning commitment and alignment creates momentum across teams.
Fintech, Capital and a Changing Market
The fintech landscape has shifted significantly in recent years. Easy capital and rapid expansion have given way to tighter conditions, sharper focus and a renewed emphasis on profitability and discipline.
Will discusses how this shift has changed founder priorities and reshaped demand for advisory and professional services. Businesses are under increasing pressure to demonstrate product fit, resilience and long-term viability. These changes align closely with broader fintech investment trends seen across global markets.
Community as a Competitive Advantage
One area where fintech continues to stand apart is community. Will highlights the openness and willingness to share that exists across the sector, particularly among founders, CFOs and senior leaders navigating similar challenges.
Creating spaces where peers can exchange experiences and insight supports better decision-making and stronger outcomes. These environments reflect principles often discussed in wider thinking on leadership and followership, where trust, perspective and shared learning shape long-term success.
What Comes Next for Fintech
Looking ahead, Will expects further consolidation across fintech, with well-capitalised firms acquiring complementary capabilities and expanding into new markets. Others will refine their propositions or reassess their position as competition increases.
Despite ongoing challenges, there remains confidence in the UK’s ability to innovate, attract talent and support growth across financial services. Continued focus on discipline, execution and collaboration will play a central role in shaping the future of the sector, alongside broader UK financial services innovation.
