The finalists for Australia’s 2024 Finnies fintech business awards have been announced.The Finnies celebrates achievements across the various components of the fintech industry and among the services that support them.This year’s awards drew over 322 entries across 19 categories, creating a shortlist of 154 finalists.The Finnies is judged over two intense rounds involving over 70 experts from across the fintech ecosystem.For the first round, over 30 judges from across the fintech industry scrutinise all entries to create this year’s pool of finalists for each category.From here, a second round of judging will commence and another 40 new judges will pour through the finalists entries to pick one winner for each category.The winners will be announced at Doltone House in Jones Wharf on 6 June 2024.THE FINALISTS:1. BEST WORKPLACE DIVERSITYAssuranceLabBizcapEML PaymentsMYOBNovattiPokitPalTRAction2. EXCELLENCE IN ESTABLISHING GLOBAL MARKET PRESENCEAssuranceLabCake EquityData ZooEzyRemit WorldwideEmployment HeroFinmoLakeba GroupStables3. EXCELLENCE IN INDUSTRY COLLABORATIONS & PARTNERSHIPSAdatree, MogoPlus & Central Murray Credit Union – read herePaydock & Commonwealth Bank – read hereConnectID, Commonwealth Bank, NAB, Westpac & ANZDownsizer and Deposit Power – read hereElemnta and Colonial First State (CFS) – read hereHutly and Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV) – read hereHOPE Housing Fund Management and Police BankZepto and OZEDI – read here4. EXCELLENCE IN BUSINESS LENDINGBanjo LoansBizcapKashcadeLeaselabLumi FinanceProspaTYRO PaymentsValiant Finance5. EXCELLENCE IN CONSUMER LENDINGBeforepayBlock EarnerCarClarityDrivaMONEYMENimo IndustriesOwnHomePennant TechnologiesWisr6

Now in it’s ninth year, the FinTech Awards celebrate the entrepreneurs and Australian fintechs who are doing amazing things, growing their businesses, here in Australia, and overseas.Judges have decided the three finalists in each category. Despite the challenging times, these awards show innovation and entrepreneurship is still important in fintech, and is still happening!“On behalf of our Event Partner, Ashurst, our numerous Supporters and Sponsors, and all the Judges involved, we would like to thank the fintechs who took the time to enter the Awards – the quality of the submissions is excellent – it will be an exciting Awards night next week!” said Glen Frost, Founder of the FinTech Awards. 9th Annual FinTech Awards 2024: Finalists: Category: 1. BEST FINTECH /or BANK APP  – Beforepay– WeMoney– Stake Category: 2. BEST INNOVATION IN LENDING HOME LOANS        – HOPE Housing– Fortiro– OwnHome Category: 3. BEST INNOVATION FOR INVESTING FUNDS MANAGEMENT – Spaceship– Stropro– Stake– Cache Invest Category 4: FinTech-Bank Collaboration               – Thriday (and NAB)– Tiimely (and UP Bank)– Paydock/PowerBoard (and CBA) Category: 5. BEST USE OF Ai IN FINTECH       – SpendConsole– Tiimely– Fortiro Category: 6

SME funding specialist Lumi has joined the lending panels of COG Aggregation and Platform Finance, giving brokers a broader range of innovative funding solutions to better serve their SME and self-employed clients.John Clifford, Head of Third Party at Lumi spoke of the dual benefits of this partnership, stating, “For commercial and asset finance brokers, Lumi’s services complement existing offerings perfectly, filling in the financial gaps not covered by asset finance.”The SME non-bank lender offers secured and unsecured business loans and lines of credit ranging from $5,000 to $500,000, focusing on innovation, customer service and “fast, fair and flexible” funding solutions.“We’re here to assist with the additional costs your clients may face, from importing machinery to funding recruitment expenses or training staff on new machinery,” Clifford states.“Our goal is to provide financing solutions that are as unique as the businesses we serve.”Lumi offers innovative funding solutions, including a rate-reducing business loan that rewards customers for good payment behaviour and a line of credit with no interest incurred when left unused.Clifford further highlighted the support for mortgage brokers venturing into SME lending, “We’re not just a lender; we’re a partner-led company. For those new to SME lending, our business development managers are eager to provide guidance and support.”“We understand the varying degrees of involvement brokers prefer, and we accommodate that, ensuring we adapt to the client management approach of every partner.”“The inclusion of Lumi on the COG Aggregation and Platform Finance lender panels is a testament to the shared vision of empowering brokers with more resources and businesses with flexible financing options.”“This partnership is set to broaden the horizons for brokers and their clients, facilitating growth and success in the ever-changing commercial landscape.”Damian Mantini, Head of Strategic Partnerships at Platform Finance said, “COG and Platform are excited about our new relationship with Lumi. It’s important that we continue to add new, innovative lenders to our panel to provide our brokers with the diversity needed to best service their clients. Expanding our SME business finance options complements our existing asset finance lenders and offers our brokers a strong alternative income stream.”