April 28, 2025
London, UK | Jacksonville, FL
Jacksonville is set to become a global center of financial innovation with the launch of JAX Hub - a new initiative from corporate innovation leader L Marks, in collaboration with the City of Jacksonville, announced today by the UK’s Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Emma Reynolds MP, at the Global Fintech Forum in London.
Set to go live later this year, JAX Hub will establish L Marks’ operations in Jacksonville and connect leading financial firms with top-tier global scale-ups and entrepreneurs to solve critical industry challenges, unlock future opportunities, and position the region at the forefront of financial innovation. Built on L Marks’ proven, award-winning Innovation Lab methodology, the program will bring international innovation to Jacksonville while helping local companies accelerate growth through collaboration.
Mayor Donna Deegan, Mayor of the City of Jacksonville:
“Jacksonville is a leading FinTech hub, and the addition of JAX Hub will accelerate our fast growth. We are excited to partner on this initiative that will bring in startups from around the world to spur innovation and collaboration with the leading FinTech companies that call Jacksonville home. It’s a testament to our growing business ties with the UK and sterling reputation as an industry powerhouse”
JAX Hub will drive innovation in the financial sector, support the local economy, attract international startups and scale-ups to the region, and elevate Jacksonville’s reputation as a global destination for financial innovation. With corporate innovation being a central driver for economic development, Jacksonville business leaders will work together with L Marks to identify key opportunity areas for the sector and the region, and then collaborate with selected startups and scale-ups to pilot and validate innovative technologies, solutions, and products.
Daniel Saunders, CEO, L Marks:
“With JAX Hub, we’re creating a bridge between Jacksonville and the global innovation ecosystem. By connecting ambitious growth-stage businesses with leading financial institutions, we’re bringing our proven model to a city with immense potential - and helping position Jacksonville as a destination for breakthrough ideas and meaningful collaboration.”
Today’s announcement, as part of UK FinTech Week, builds on the Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2023 between the State of Florida and the UK Government to deepen bilateral trade and economic cooperation. L Marks’ investment in the region is supported by JAXUSA Partnership and the UK Department for Business and Trade, and forms a key pillar in the creation of a UK–Florida FinTech Corridor. This partnership is also a product of Jacksonville’s annual economic development missions to London, hosted by Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan and JAXUSA Partnership.
Aundra Wallace, President, JAXUSA:
“We’ve worked to establish Jacksonville as a global fintech and innovation hub, and this is another significant milestone. With L Marks leading the way and industry leaders playing major roles, JAX Hub is an incredible partnership that will attract investment, talent and jobs to the Jacksonville region.”
Hayden Boilini, Director of Financial Services for the UK in North America:
“The UK’s Department for Business & Trade is pleased to support the development of a UK-Florida fintech corridor, of which the JAX Hub will play an integral part. This partnership is a fantastic example of our MoU with the State of Florida in action, helping to drive innovation, job creation, and investment between our two great markets. As one of the largest and fastest growing states in the US, there is enormous opportunity to enhance bilateral trade through financial services collaboration.”
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For information contact: Mariana Olivares Head of Communications, Trade and Investment, North America
UK Department for Business and Trade Mariana.Olivares@businessandtrade.gov.uk