The winners of the 2023 Scottish Financial Technology Awards have been announced, with BR-DGE securing the ‘Fintech of the Year’ award on the evening.

Hosted at Edinburgh’s Dynamic Earth, the awards brought together more than 200 people from across the Scottish financial services and fintech landscape to recognise outstanding companies and individuals.

As the closing event of the Scotland Fintech Festival, the 2023 awards were an opportunity to reconnect and celebrate the resilience and innovation displayed by the financial services and fintech ecosystem over the last two years.

Commenting on the awards, DIGIT Founder Ray Bugg said: “It was fantastic to bring Scotland’s vibrant financial services and fintech communities together under one roof. Throughout the Scotland Fintech Festival, we have seen the innovation and pioneering spirit of these industries showcased far and wide, highlighting their importance to Scotland’s economy and her people.

“We’d like to offer our congratulations to both the winners and finalists on the evening.”

So, who were the winners on the night?

Scottish Financial Technology Awards: Meet the Winners

BR-DGE took first prize in the ‘Fintech of the Year’ category. The Edinburgh-based company faced stiff competition in this category, and was nominated alongside AutoRek, Know-it, Miconex, and Legado.

The awards ceremony also saw DirectID founder, James Varga, win both Evangelist of the Year and Special Recognition awards, rounding out a very special evening for the Scottish fintech mainstay.

Commenting on his win, Varga said: “Its not just recognition for me, its recognition for Scotland.”

“I’m of the infinte mindset,” Vargas said, reflecting on how his own philosphy might have earned him this selective recognition when he humbly reflected on the industry and community which fostered his development.

He added: “I’m one of many. I feel humbled to be recognised and excited to be a part of a movement.”

Reflecting on the community and the ‘village’ that raised his fintech expertise, Vargas remained self-affacing: “What’s special about Scotland is how it fosters the relationship between big companies and small companies, like we saw with TSB and Snugg,” another winner from the FinTech awards. “It’s overcoming the David and Golliath challenge, by fostering a relationship between these two, which is special.”

Finally, MoneyMatiX founder and CEO Tynah Matembe was recognised as Scotland’s Outstanding Female Leader in fintech.

The judges said that Matembe’s impact and committment to the betterment of young people in Scotland was outstanding.

Speaking to DIGIT, Matembe said: “I’ve been working in fintech for three years, so this means a lot. Just to get the recognition for doing the right thing means a lot.” Going further, Matembe defined the right thing: “Moving the dial, for people, in the right direction, for the business world and the real world. It makes a real difference and can mean a real difference for the future of fintech.”

Discussing what this award means for the future, Matembe was hopeful: “The recognition means that hopefully, the big players will start to get involved and recognise the field of fintech in Scotland.”

James Varga: “Its not just the recognition of me, its the recognition of Scotland. Scotland has a pedigree, so why can’t we have many?”

“I’m of the infinte mindset,” Vargas said, reflecting on how his own philosphy might have earned him this selective recognition when he humbly reflected on the industry and community which fostered his development. “I’m one of many. I feel humbled to be recognised and escited to be a part of a movement.”

Referring to the community and the ‘village’ that raised his fintech expertise, Vargas remained self-affacing: ”

Here is the full list of winners from the 2022 Scottish Financial Technology Awards.

• Best Start Up/New Entrant: BabyReady Finance
• Financial Services Innovation: NatWest
• Digital Transformation: TSB
• Best Fintech Collaboration: TSB & Snugg
• Outstanding Fintech Female Leader: Tynah Matembe
• Financial Technology Partner: AND Digital
• Best Use of Data/AI: xDesign & Money Saving Expert
• Climate & Environmental Impact: Grand Bequest
• Evangelist: James Varga
• RegTech Innovation:AutoRek
• Social Impact: Smart Data Foundry
• Fintech of the Year: BR-DGE
• Special Recognition: James Varga