NatWest Group has made a minority investment in Serene, an early-stage AI platform focused on addressing financial vulnerability.
The platform utilizes real-time customer insights powered by AI and behavioral science to identify early signs of financial distress and predict risks, enabling financial institutions to offer personalized and timely support on a large scale.
Serene joined NatWest’s Accelerator program in 2023 and showcased its concept at the bank’s recent Fintech Showcase event, where it pitched to industry experts, investors, and business owners. This investment from NatWest is part of a larger funding round led by Fuel Ventures.
According to NatWest, collaborating with Serene will enhance its existing models, improve customer insights and financial support, and foster cross-industry collaboration through Serene’s networks.
David Grunwald, director of innovation and partnerships at NatWest Group, stated: “As people continue to adapt to an ever-changing world, it’s important for us to be a trusted partner who can anticipate, understand, and respond to customers’ changing needs—technology is helping us to do this faster and more effectively. Platforms like Serene demonstrate the potential of AI tools to enhance customer outcomes by quickly identifying vulnerabilities, playing a positive role in the financial system.”