The Smart Data Accelerator aims to advance open finance and smart data for businesses in the UK. Learn about this FCA Innovation initiative and how to get involved.
The Accelerator offers a secure, dedicated space for research, testing, and experimentation.
It enables organisations to use synthetic data to develop proofs of concept while supporting agile, dynamic policy making.
The Accelerator is for:
- Innovative firms with use cases to test.
- Organisations interested in collaboration through sprints and wider engagements.
- Policymakers, academics, and technologists shaping the future of smart data.
Accelerator features
The Accelerator has 4 pillars:
Use case testing
Exploring and experimenting with high-potential and complex open finance use cases through targeted sprints and initiatives.
Policy testing
Enabling agile experimentation and iteration of policy approaches.
International and cross-sector testing
Researching and piloting cross-border and cross-sector initiatives.
Data and tech infrastructure
Analysing the impact of technology in supporting future-proof models for data sharing and technical integration.
The Smart Data Accelerator builds on existing FCA Innovation[1] capabilities and services, including enhanced synthetic datasets to enable the development of new solutions.
Take part in the Accelerator
The Smart Data Accelerator aims to work in collaboration with a variety of stakeholders.
Contact us to get involved and receive updates: [email protected]
Open Finance Sprint: outcomes report
In March 2025, the FCA hosted stakeholders from financial services, technology, policy, consumer groups and beyond to explore the future of open finance. The Sprint focused on 4 key opportunity areas:
- financial wellbeing
- financial growth
- financial resilience
- digital identity and verification
The event generated valuable insights on future use cases, regulatory considerations, and the role of innovation in driving better financial outcomes.
See our post-event blog[2] for key insights and our outcomes report[3] summarising the Sprint in more depth.
These findings are informing the Smart Data Accelerator’s priorities and upcoming work.
Apply for TechSprints
Apply now to join the SME Finance[4] and Mortgages [5]Techsprints as part of our Smart Data Accelerator.
Applications close on 2 November 2025.
