2026 FinTech Predictions: Insights from Hubert Fenwick of Selina Finance

We spoke with Hubert Fenwick, Co-Founder and CEO of Selina Finance, the UK's leading provider of Home Equity Lines of Credit. As homeowner behaviour shifts and mortgage markets evolve, Hubert shares his perspective on the flexible lending revolution and what banks need to focus on in 2026.

Over to you Hubert - my questions are in bold:

What's the biggest shift you expect across financial services in 2026?

I think we'll see a further shift from one-size-fits-all lending towards more flexible approaches to credit, particularly for homeowners. People don't want to constantly remortgage or lock themselves into large, inflexible loans, but they do want access to the value they've already built in their homes on their own terms. Emergent flexible products like HELOCs reflect that change, giving homeowners ongoing financial flexibility as their needs evolve, whether that's energy efficient home improvements, renovations or managing big life costs such as school fees.

Which emerging technology will have the most practical impact on banks and the FinTechs that support them?

Banking apps aren't new, but the role they play is definitely changing. Instead of just checking a balance or paying a bill, people want to actively plan and manage their money, seeing what they can afford, using calculators to understand the cost of a project before they start and then drawing down credit as they go. Combined with smarter tech behind the scenes, this turns lending into an ongoing, flexible relationship rather than a one off transaction and helps people make more confident, informed decisions.

What customer behaviours or expectations will most challenge banks and financial service providers?

One shift we're seeing is homeowners choosing to upgrade rather than move amid a relatively stagnant housing market. With moving costs high and mortgage rates making people think twice, more people are investing in the homes they already have. At the same time, green upgrades are becoming a practical financial decision as much as a sustainability one, homeowners want better insulation, lower energy bills and homes that will hold their value. These projects tend to happen in stages and evolve over time, and there's a growing expectation for finance that's flexible enough to support that, rather than a single loan upfront.

What risks or blind spots do you think the industry is underestimating as we move into 2026?

One thing the industry still underestimates is just how uncertain things feel for homeowners right now, and how that affects their decision-making. People are much more cautious, more likely to pause or change their plans and far less comfortable making big financial commitments. The risk is that too many products are still built on the assumption that customers feel confident and ready to commit, when in reality they want more options. Providers that recognise this and give people the flexibility to change as their circumstances evolve will be much better placed as we move into 2026.

If you were advising a bank's leadership team today, what strategic priority should they focus on to stay competitive in 2026 and beyond?

I'd encourage teams to focus on building products and platforms that support long-term customer decision-making. Homeowners are increasingly making complex choices around their homes such as weighing costs, energy savings, future value and timing. Banks that invest in clearer tools and more transparent experiences to help people plan and borrow with confidence will build far stronger and longer lasting relationships than those still focused on one off transactions.

Thank you Hubert! You can connect with Hubert on his LinkedIn Profile and find out more about the company at https://www.selinafinance.co.uk.