NatWest Group has announced a strategic minority investment in Serene, an AI-driven platform focused on addressing financial vulnerability. By combining artificial intelligence and behavioral science, Serene identifies early signs of financial distress and predicts potential risks, enabling financial institutions to provide personalized and timely support at scale.
This investment underscores NatWest’s commitment to supporting customers who may face financial challenges, leveraging innovative technologies to improve customer outcomes. Collaborating with Serene allows NatWest to refine its financial models, enhance customer insights, and strengthen financial support services. Additionally, Serene’s network offers opportunities for cross-industry partnerships.
Accelerating Innovation with Strategic Investments
NatWest’s Innovation and Partnerships group spearheaded the investment as part of the bank’s strategy to drive customer-focused innovation. With a proven track record of supporting early-stage companies, NatWest aims to help Serene grow and scale rapidly.
Serene first joined NatWest’s Accelerator program in 2023, showcasing its concept during the bank’s Fintech Showcase event. Businesses participating in NatWest’s Accelerator have been shown to achieve higher growth, secure more investment, and enjoy greater longevity compared to their peers.
David Grunwald, Director of Innovation and Partnerships at NatWest Group, highlighted the bank’s vision:
“In today’s rapidly evolving world, our role is to anticipate and adapt to customers’ changing needs. AI platforms like Serene demonstrate how technology can identify vulnerabilities and drive better financial outcomes. Investing in fintechs aligned with our strategy is central to our mission to help businesses grow and thrive.”
Serene’s Vision: Proactive Financial Support
Savannah Price, Founder & CEO of Serene, emphasized the platform’s mission to address a universal challenge:
“Financial vulnerability affects everyone at some point. With NatWest’s support, we’re scaling our platform to empower businesses with tailored solutions at scale. This partnership accelerates our growth and strengthens our ability to make a meaningful impact in financial services.”
She added, “This investment reflects Serene’s role in redefining vulnerability management, championing a customer-centric approach where everyone feels supported and empowered.”
NatWest’s Commitment to Financial Well-being
This bank fintech partnership builds on NatWest’s efforts to help customers manage their finances effectively. Current initiatives include:
- Mobile Banking Tools: Features like financial health checks, credit score monitoring, and budget tracking.
- Security Profile: A personalized in-app space that educates customers on staying secure online.
- Banking My Way: A free service allowing customers to record their unique support needs, such as accessibility adjustments or financial changes, to simplify banking.
- Dedicated Financial Support: A specialized team offering tailored solutions to personal and small business customers facing financial difficulties.
By investing in innovative startups like Serene, NatWest continues to lead the way in providing smarter, more proactive financial solutions, ensuring every customer feels seen, supported, and empowered.
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