SuperTech launches fraud-fighting innovation lab in Birmingham

SuperTech has opened applications for a new cross-sector programme aimed at tackling fraud by connecting fintechs, lawtechs, regtechs, AI companies and other innovators with banks, legal firms, regulators and academics. The Open Innovation Lab: Fighting Fraud begins Oct. 13 and closes applications Sept. 30.

Why it matters: - Fraud is a fast-moving problem that affects financial firms, legal services, customers and communities. - The programme is designed to help innovators test products against real industry use cases and improve fraud resilience. - Successful applicants could gain direct access to potential customers and partners across finance, law, regulation and academia.

What happened: - SuperTech launched the Open Innovation Lab: Fighting Fraud in Birmingham, United Kingdom. - The programme invites fintechs, lawtechs, regtechs, fraud-tech specialists, AI companies and other technology businesses to apply. - The initiative brings together financial institutions, legal-sector organisations, fraud specialists, regulators, academics and technology innovators. - Confirmed partners include BNP Paribas Personal Finance, Equifax UK, Tipton & Coseley Building Society, Advance Credit Union, Clockwise Credit Union, Fieldfisher, HCR Law and Aston University. - Applications are open now, with a deadline of Wednesday, Sept. 30. - The programme kicks off on Oct. 13.

The details: - The challenge areas include authenticating documentation and reducing false positives. - The programme also focuses on enhancing trusted digital journeys and strengthening fraud resilience. - Other themes include dynamic customer outcomes for real-time fraud protection. - Identity integrity across distributed access channels is another challenge area. - AI-enabled fraud detection, investigation and response is part of the lab’s scope. - The programme will also explore emerging risks and opportunities in agentic AI. - The challenge themes were developed with industry partners. - The lab is built around fraud issues that organisations are facing now. - Participants will present solutions and insights to participating organisations at the end of the programme. - Organisers expect that feedback will help innovators refine products, propositions and market understanding.

Between the lines: - SuperTech is using a collaborative model to pull buyers, regulators and researchers into the innovation process early. - The structure suggests a push to shorten the path from concept to commercial pilot by matching startups with real-world problems. - Previous SuperTech innovation programmes have led to pilot projects, commercial collaborations and new market opportunities. - Hilary Smyth-Allen, CEO of SuperTech, said the goal is to strengthen resilience, reduce harm and improve outcomes for businesses and customers. - Rachel Burton of BNP Paribas Personal Finance said the programme creates a chance to share insights, challenge thinking and collaborate on solutions. - Nigel Lang, chief information officer at Fieldfisher, said the cross-sector approach is important because fraud cuts across industries.

What's next: - SuperTech will review applications through Sept. 30. - Selected innovators will work through the challenge areas after the Oct. 13 launch. - Participating organisations will evaluate the final solutions and provide feedback. - Strong matches from the programme could lead to pilots or commercial collaboration, based on SuperTech’s prior track record.

The bottom line: - SuperTech is betting that cross-sector collaboration can produce faster, more practical tools to fight fraud.