London's 'Silicon Roundabout' big hit with investors

London

FROM the shabby streets of east London, some of the brightest minds in technology and banking are plotting a revolution.

London's "Silicon Roundabout" has become one of the top hubs for financial technology - or fintech - where startup firms are launching products to bypass traditional banks with phone apps and websites, or help financial firms adapt to a digital era.

Investment in fintech firms in Britain and Ireland swelled to US$623 million last year, more than double the US$264 million seen in 2013 and r…