Huddersfield-based Fintel plc, a provider of technology, compliance and regulatory services to financial advisers and institutions, has agreed a heads of terms deal with Intellect Design Arena of India to establish a joint venture company to develop an AI-led financial advisory platform for the UK market.

The 50:50 joint venture will be incorporated in the United Kingdom, subject to regulatory approvals, and have a governance structure of five board members — two nominees each from Fintel and Intellect Design Arena, plus one independent director.

Capital contributions and share issuance details will be finalised at incorporation, with both parties seeking to invest up to £5 million in JV funding.

Fintel also published 2025 results, showing that revenue increased 10% to £85.9 million and profit befpre tax rose to £9.8 million from £7.7 million. Dividend is up 4.1% to 3.8p per share.

Fintel CEO Matt Timmins said: “2025 has been a defining year for Fintel, creating a simpler, more unified and scalable platform that sets the foundation for the next phase of our growth.

“Technology, data and regulation continue to reshape the UK retail financial services market, and Fintel’s unique combination of market-leading software, enriched proprietary datasets and insights, and distribution platforms, places us at the centre of this transformation.

“Looking ahead, our ambition is clear: to build the most connected, insight rich and intelligent platform in the sector, enabling better decisions and better outcomes across the entire advice ecosystem.

“We have entered the new financial year with clear strategic momentum, high levels of recurring revenues and a stronger platform enabling opportunities for organic growth, underpinned by deep customer relationships.

“Fintel has made a strong start to FY26, with trading in line with the board’s expectations; the group is poised to accelerate its strategy to deliver long term value for advisers, partners and shareholders alike.”