Fintech developments, data sharing, and artificial intelligence are reshaping the lending sector, streamlining finance approvals and enabling faster, more accurate access to funding for businesses and lenders alike.

Gus Gilkeson, Chief Executive Officer of Grow Capital, has outlined how advancements in technology are improving opportunities for those seeking finance, as well as for lending institutions, by minimising delays and inefficiency.

Gilkeson explained that these improvements are influencing both how companies operate and their financial management strategies. He highlighted the practical impact of technology, particularly AI tools, on day-to-day business operations.

“From a borrower’s perspective, AI tools offer the chance to find efficiencies both in the overall running of your business, and also in how you manage your cash flow.”

“Invoices, incomings and outgoings can be tracked accurately, and in real-time if you want, to provide a clearer picture of the business financials. Forecasting, budgeting, and identifying potential funding gaps can be done easily and efficiently.”

He noted that lending institutions also stand to benefit. “For lenders, AI and data-sharing tools are allowing key identification and financial data to be verified sooner and potentially more accurately, as raw data can be shared across platforms reducing the opportunity for human error.”

“Ultimately when finance approval times reduce and funding is being made available sooner –the borrower can make strategic decisions faster.”

Technology shift

Gilkeson compared current fintech and AI progress to earlier technological revolutions, stating that the sector is still in its early stages of transformation. “I would expect some time in the not-too-distant-future that a business will be able to log on to a portal where all their financial and business data is stored and has previously been verified, allowing them to access millions of dollars in finance with the click of a button.”

He identified several key advantages associated with emerging financial technologies:

Access to finance sooner: Quicker funding approval opens opportunities for businesses, particularly when time-sensitive investments or purchases are required or during acquisitions.

Open banking: Through the Consumer Data Right, businesses can securely give consent to share banking and other financial data with authorised parties. This process facilitates quicker verification, reduces paperwork, and minimises the need for physical document signing.

Fraud mitigation: Enabled data sharing allows financial institutions to validate raw information independently, reducing the risk of manipulated balance sheets or omitted information. Human error is also less likely when data is transferred digitally and verified across platforms.

Business efficiencies: For small to medium-sized enterprises, the option to automate financial management and administrative processes has become a reality. According to Gilkeson, “AI tools can flag cash flow risks, optimise payments and identify gaps, potentially resulting in smarter decision-making.”

Potential risks

While the benefits are evident, Gilkeson cautioned that there are risks associated with adopting new technology, particularly related to data security and identity protection.

“Do your research into the tools you are adopting and also into how the third parties you’re dealing with are storing and managing your data. Having strong cyber security should be a non-negotiable.”

He also addressed the reliability of AI-based systems in the financial services sector. “It’s also important to remember that AI is not perfect and mistakes can be made, especially if original data is entered incorrectly. You will still need professional services like brokers, accountants and financial planners to check and validate your application or strategy.”

Gilkeson acknowledged that the pace of change presents further considerations for the sector. “As with any new technology there are always risks and challenges, but the opportunities this will open up is very exciting.”

Start Your AI Agency, under the leadership of CEO Greg Squibbs, has announced the 90-Day global AI training program that enables individuals to build lucrative, location-independent businesses by using artificial intelligence.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates–(Newsfile Corp. – August 31, 2025) – Start Your AI Agency has launched a 90-Day global AI training program to build lucrative AI service businesses. The company’s core offering is a free training program that introduces the proprietary AI Layering Strategy – a system inspired by proven practices from leading global tech innovators. This model allows entrepreneurs to streamline their outreach, automate service delivery, and operate businesses 24/7 from anywhere in the world without the need for complex software or large teams.

CEO Greg Squibbs

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For digital entrepreneurs looking to launch and scale AI-powered service businesses, Start Your AI Agency 90-Day training program focuses on actionable steps and replicable systems that are accessible to them with no prior experience in AI or coding. By simplifying advanced AI technologies and integrating them into everyday business operations, the program helps to bridge the gap between innovation and execution.

The program supports a wide range of professionals, including freelancers, consultants, and business owners, who are seeking to modernize their services using AI.

Greg Squibbs, a long-time advocate for technological innovation, emphasizes the importance of AI education for long-term success. As he has stated, “Artificial intelligence, automation, team building – if you don’t understand it – learn it. Because otherwise, you’re going to be a dinosaur within three years.”

Furthermore, Start Your AI Agency’s program helps individuals seeking to transition from traditional employment, entrepreneurs aiming to scale digital operations, and professionals interested in integrating automation into their service-based businesses.

About Start Your AI Agency:

Start Your AI Agency is a global training platform dedicated to helping individuals build and scale AI-powered service businesses. Founded with the vision to democratize access to artificial intelligence, the company provides step-by-step training, tools, and automation systems that enable entrepreneurs to launch high-profit, location-independent agencies. With a focus on simplicity, scalability, and real-world application, Start Your AI Agency has become a trusted launchpad for thousands of digital entrepreneurs worldwide. Under the leadership of CEO Greg Squibbs, the company continues to drive innovation and empower the next generation of AI-focused business owners.

For more information, visit at https://www.startyouraiagency.com.

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Norway has agreed a £10bn deal for anti-submarine warships that will be built in the UK, as the two countries plan joint operations in northern Europe to deal with increased Russian activity.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said the agreement to build Type 26 frigates was the UK’s biggest ever warship export deal by value, and Norway’s biggest defence procurement deal.

It said that overall it would provide a £10bn boost to the UK economy and support 4,000 jobs across the UK “well into the 2030s”.

The Type 26 frigates will be built at the BAE Systems shipyards in the Govan area of Glasgow, which employ 2,000 staff and are already constructing eight of the warships for the Royal Navy.

“This £10bn deal is what our plan for change is about,” said the UK prime minister, Keir Starmer. “Creating jobs, driving growth and protecting national security for working people. The export of our world-leading Type 26 frigates will do exactly that, supporting well-paid jobs up and down the United Kingdom, from apprentices to engineers.”

It is estimated that the shipbuilding programme will support 432 businesses, including 103 in Scotland, 47 in the north-west of England and 35 in the West Midlands.

The deal also signals a strengthening of a long-term strategic relationship with Norway, as part of which a combined fleet of 13 frigates will operate jointly in northern Europe.

Eight of the frigates will be British and “at least” five will be Norwegian, with the joint operation designed to “significantly strengthen Nato’s northern flank”.

“This historic defence deal deepens our strategic partnership,” said John Healey, the defence secretary. “With Norway, we will train, operate, deter and – if necessary – fight together. Our navies will work as one, leading the way in Nato, with this deal putting more world-class warships in the north Atlantic to hunt Russian submarines, protect our critical infrastructure and keep both our nations secure.”

Concerns over critical infrastructure around Europe have been raised on multiple occasions in the last year, after the alleged sabotage of the Baltic gas pipeline and undersea internet cables between Finland and Estonia.

Norway was the only other country to participate in the UK carrier strike group’s full deployment this year, and it also collaborates with the UK and Nato partners to safeguard critical undersea infrastructure in northern Europe.

“Norway and the United Kingdom are close allies with common interests and strong bilateral ties,” said Jonas Gahr Støre, Norway’s prime minister. “I am confident that the strategic partnership with the UK for purchasing, developing and operating frigates is the right decision.”

The Scottish secretary, Ian Murray, said the decision showed the “tremendous success” of Scotland’s shipbuilding industry and was an example of another “defence dividend” for the country.

The Type 26 frigate features sophisticated weapons, and advanced sensors and communications. Its design enables the warship to be upgraded to “counter emerging threats”, according to the MoD’s statement announcing the deal.

Charles Woodburn, the chief executive of BAE Systems, said: “The Norwegian government’s decision reflects its confidence in British industry’s ability to deliver a superior anti-submarine warfare platform, together with systems and equipment, that will support its future maritime security and reinforce its position within Nato.”