Fintech now accounts for nearly 9% of all startups worldwide, with 17,963 ventures and 250 unicorns fueling a sector that is transforming the global economy. According to the StartupBlink Global Startup Map, the number of cities active in fintech has surged from 287 in 2023 to 314 in 2024, underscoring the sector’s escalating global importance. Here, we spotlight the top 10 cities where fintech innovation is not just thriving—but redefining the financial landscape.
1. San Francisco Bay, United States
The San Francisco Bay Area continues to reign supreme as the epicenter of fintech innovation. Retaining its top spot from last year, its lead over New York has grown substantially—from a 31.63% gap in 2023 to 34.53% in 2024, a 9.2% relative increase. Fueled by a robust venture capital ecosystem and home to giants like Stripe and Robinhood, Silicon Valley remains unparalleled in harnessing cutting-edge technologies such as AI, blockchain, and cloud computing.
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2. New York, United States
New York holds firm at #2, drawing on its unique blend of traditional finance and fintech prowess. As the world’s largest financial center, the city offers unparalleled access to banks, hedge funds, and investment firms—fostering innovations in wealth management, payments, and lending. Despite a widening gap with San Francisco, New York’s dynamic ecosystem continues to nurture breakthrough startups like Plaid and Betterment.
3. London, United Kingdom
London remains a formidable force at #3 in fintech, cementing its status as Europe’s financial technology capital. Thanks to robust regulatory frameworks—including initiatives like the FCA’s regulatory sandboxes—and a strategic global connectivity, London attracts fintech powerhouses such as Revolut and Wise. Government support and targeted tax incentives further drive its vibrant startup scene, even as the competitive gap with New York slightly widens.
4. São Paulo, Brazil
São Paulo made a significant leap from #5 to #4, overtaking Los Angeles in 2024. Its climb reflects Brazil’s booming fintech market, propelled by unicorns like Nubank and a rapid shift toward digital banking. São Paulo’s fintech industry not only outpaces its broader startup ecosystem by 19 spots, but also capitalizes on strong government-backed open banking and instant payment initiatives, positioning it as Latin America’s fintech frontrunner.
5. Bangalore, India
Rising from #6 to #5, Bangalore has outpaced Los Angeles by a 12.2% relative shift in industry score. Known as the “Silicon Valley of India,” the city’s vibrant ecosystem is driven by innovative startups such as Razorpay, and fueled by government initiatives promoting cashless transactions and digital payments. With a vast young population and increasing internet penetration, Bangalore is pivotal to India’s digital financial revolution.
6. Los Angeles Area, United States
Although Los Angeles slipped from #4 to #6, it remains a crucial fintech hub. Its rich tapestry of entertainment, diverse economy, and deep venture capital connections continue to support startups like Tala and Dave, which are leading in financial inclusion and personal finance management. Despite emerging market competitors gaining ground, Los Angeles’ unique blend of cultural and economic factors keeps it in the mix.
7. Paris, France
Paris holds its #7 position, reaffirming its role as one of Europe’s leading fintech centers. The city benefits from strong governmental backing and a dynamic startup ecosystem. With major players like Lydia and Qonto driving innovation, Paris leverages initiatives like La French Tech to maintain its competitive edge. Its fintech performance outstrips its general startup ecosystem ranking by seven spots, highlighting a robust specialization in digital finance.
8. Berlin, Germany
Berlin has climbed from #9 to #8, overtaking Stockholm and solidifying its position as a major European fintech hub. The city’s affordability, rich talent pool, and favorable regulatory environment have enabled digital banking leaders like N26 and Trade Republic to gain international traction. Berlin’s steady rise reflects its growing appeal to entrepreneurs and investors alike.
9. Singapore City, Singapore
Singapore City advances to #9, underscoring its status as Asia’s fintech gateway. With the government’s proactive policies—such as the Monetary Authority of Singapore’s Fintech Regulatory Sandbox—the city attracts significant fintech activity. Singapore’s specialized focus on financial technology sees it ranked seven spots higher in fintech than its overall startup ecosystem score, highlighting its strategic importance in the region.
10. New Delhi, India
Rounding out the top 10, New Delhi enters the rankings by replacing Stockholm. With a burgeoning fintech ecosystem powered by startups like BharatPe and MobiKwik, the city is emerging as a key player in India’s digital finance revolution. Its ranking, one spot higher than its overall ecosystem position, underscores the rapid evolution of fintech in the country.
Conclusion
The global fintech landscape is evolving at breakneck speed, with traditional financial centers like San Francisco, New York, and London continuing to dominate, while emerging hubs in São Paulo, Bangalore, Berlin, Singapore, and New Delhi carve out their own niches. Each city brings unique strengths—from robust regulatory frameworks and abundant venture capital to innovative technology and strategic government support—collectively shaping a vibrant ecosystem that is revolutionizing access to financial services and the future of global finance.
If your city is not on this list and you represent a government or public sector organization, contact us to learn more about its ranking and how it can join the global fintech revolution.
