Research

A mix of economic diversity and a high quality of life makes Hamburg one of the most dynamic economic regions in Europe. Whether industry, maritime economy, logistics, aviation, media and creative industries, life sciences or trade and finance, Hamburg is strongly positioned in all these segments. At the financial and fintech location in particular, a wide range of players with diverse business models are based in the city. Around 50,000 people work in the financial sector and generate an annual value added of over 5 billion euros. Hamburg is the city of hidden champions: Whether asset management, foreign trade financing, transport insurance, real estate investments and specific fintech offers – Hamburg’s financial service providers are market leaders in many areas.

In Hamburg you will find over 70 Fintechs dealing with the topics analytics & research, assistants & self service, banking, debt collection, comparison sites, finance, crowd investing, insurance, legal tech, payments, savings & trade finance. Some of the largest are Kreditech, which provides short-term loans based on online data, and Deposit Solutions as a platform for arranging savings deposits between retail investors and capital-seeking banks. Finanzcheck acts as a credit comparison site and online insurance broker, while Figo creates the technical interfaces for the integration of innovative financial offers into the online presence of banks and Exporo is the market leader in real estate crowdfunding. Many of the more than three dozen Hamburg FinTechs have a B2B focus. Our constantly updated Fintech Monitor provides an overview of the fintechs already resident.

In addition, the city is an established financial location with a great tradition and a close network to the real economy, science and politics. The distances are short and people know each other. With Finanzplatz Hamburg, Hamburg has a private cluster initiative that stands for a strong network, exchange at the highest level and a fintech initiative. Germany in general and Hamburg in particular offer an entrepreneur-friendly business environment when it comes to the legal requirements for setting up a company. Depending on factors such as the chosen legal form and the specific object of the business, the establishment of a branch can be done with relatively little effort from a legal standpoint.

Almost every business activity requires a business registration. This can be done with little administrative effort. Depending on the legal form of the company, registration in the commercial register may also be required. The Hamburg Chamber of Commerce offers an overview of the various possibilities for expansion into Germany. They provide advice, for example, through the local point of single contact on these topics. However, some economic segments are more regulated. This also includes the financial sector and thus also fintechs.

Financial transactions are subject to authorization in Germany. Anyone who conducts banking business or offers financial services requires a permit from the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin). The Hamburg Chamber of Commerce offers a good overview of the prerequisites for this. If the case is sufficiently complex, the advice of a specialist is advisable. Here we are happy to help! A possible alternative to having your own BaFin license is to cooperate with institutions that hold a corresponding license. Hamburg’s Sutor Bank or Munich’s Fidor Bank, for example, are active in this field and offer corresponding platforms.

You need more information about the business environment in Hamburg, an overview of the local players, contacts in the Hamburg fintech environment or contacts in the local established financial industry. Then contact us. We are happy to help!

Fintech Hamburg ist mit zahlreichen Fintech-bezogenen Initiativen weltweit vernetzt.