Since the interim results announced on 29 September 2022, a number of the key technology deliverables have been developed and in line with the Group plan. The initial testing phase has commenced and will continue into the new year with development on track to complete pilot testing in H1 2023. Grant Thornton has been appointed to conduct an independent assurance programme in preparation for exiting mobilisation.

In addition, Fiinu continues to make encouraging progress with the recruitment of key staff. Charles Resnick has been approved by the regulators with effect from 1 December 2022 to perform the Chief Finance (SMF2) function and will shortly be appointed to the Board of Fiinu Bank[1]. Further announcements on future developments in these areas will be made as and when appropriate.

Given the current economic environment Fiinu has spent some time refreshing its approach to reflect the changes in inflation, cost of funds and customer appetite for the product. As previously disclosed in the Company's admission document, Fiinu's business plan is continuously analysed and updated throughout mobilisation. This revised business plan incorporates the projected average cost of funding and interest rate of overdraft borrowing, the spread between which could now result in an average Net Interest Margin for Fiinu Bank in excess of 15%, net of impairment.

Furthermore, as previously explained, in order for Fiinu Bank to satisfy its regulators' conditions to lift its deposit-taking restrictions and commence unrestricted operations, the Group will need, inter alia, to demonstrate that it has sufficient regulatory and working capital to exit the mobilisation period. Under its refined business plan, the Group is now estimating an increased capital requirement of c.£35-40 million. This is due to a decision to run some processes in parallel to accelerate technology development during mobilisation and general cost inflation in respect of operating costs since the original plan was agreed and implementation commenced.