“This partnership will see the companies trying to benefit not only the hospitality sector, but also industries like luxury retail, automotive, professional services, as well as builder merchants.” – 01:55
Polly Jean Harrison, Features Editor of the FinTech Times, joins Remy Blaire to discuss the latest headlines from Europe and the Middle East, focusing on significant developments in the fintech sector.
The segment begins with an exciting announcement about a new partnership between Adyen and Prompt, aimed at enhancing the payment experience for hotels. Polly explains how this collaboration will integrate with Oracle Opera to create a seamless and efficient payment process. The partnership is designed to streamline hotel operations, reduce fraud, and elevate the guest payment journey. Polly highlights the innovative features of Prompt’s platform, such as scheduled sends, automated reminders, and real-time updates, which are set to improve customer service in the hospitality industry. She emphasizes the importance of delivering smooth and secure payment experiences to build guest trust and loyalty, noting that this partnership will also benefit other sectors like luxury retail and automotive.
The conversation then shifts to a pressing issue for pet owners in the UK, as new research from CRIF reveals that pet insurance costs have reached unprecedented levels. Polly shares that 39% of British pet owners report significant increases in their insurance premiums, with the UK experiencing a 29% rise compared to the rest of Europe. This surge in costs is particularly concerning amid the ongoing cost of living crisis. Polly attributes the rising premiums to factors such as escalating veterinary costs, inflationary pressures, and a notable increase in claims, with a record £1.23 billion paid out in pet insurance claims in 2024. Despite these challenges, she notes that pet insurance remains a priority for many, and there is potential for fintech solutions to help improve pricing and customer satisfaction in this sector.