11:46 am - May 8, 2026
Bank payment company GoCardless is set to open a new office in Leeds later this year, creating a Northern Hub to expand its UK presence and access the regional talent pool. The fintech firm plans to hire 50 employees within the first 12 months, with roles spanning sales, partnerships, corporate services and operations across the Leeds office.
The company intends to scale the Leeds location rapidly in the coming years, following the expansion model of its existing hub offices in London and Riga. According to GoCardless, the move aligns with the UK government’s Financial Services Growth and Competitiveness Strategy and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Local Growth Plan.
Strategic Expansion into Leeds Fintech Hub
The new office will serve as a strategic centre for innovation and talent acquisition in the northern England region. In its announcement, GoCardless described Leeds as one of the UK’s most vibrant financial and professional services centres, featuring a thriving fintech community and a strong university network.
The company will join several other financial institutions and innovators already established in the city. These include Leeds Building Society, the Bank of England, the Financial Conduct Authority, Pexa, and LHV UK, according to the announcement.
Hiroki Takeuchi, co-founder and chief executive officer at GoCardless, stated that Leeds was a natural choice for the Northern Hub. He noted that with the introduction of the Leeds Reforms, the dynamic ecosystem will only grow, and the company is excited to become a key player in this fintech hot spot while tapping into a rich talent pool.
Government Support for Regional Financial Services Growth
The expansion received support from national, regional, and local government leaders, who framed it as validation of efforts to grow the UK’s financial services sector outside of London. The move comes as the government seeks to strengthen regional financial centres across the country.
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves expressed her enthusiasm for the plans, stating she was delighted to see GoCardless set up their new office in Leeds, delivering good, high-skilled jobs across the region. She referenced the Leeds Reforms, which aim to make the UK the top destination for financial services businesses by removing barriers to investment.
Meanwhile, Tracy Brabin, mayor of West Yorkshire Combined Authority, described the announcement as a huge vote of confidence in the region’s outstanding ecosystem of talent, innovation and collaboration. She characterized the GoCardless expansion as both a powerful validation of the local growth plan and a clear demonstration of the Chancellor’s Leeds Reforms in action.
Building the Northern Square Mile
Local officials have positioned Leeds as a complement to London’s traditional financial district. Councillor James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council, said the council was delighted to welcome GoCardless to Leeds and into the home of the Northern Square Mile.
However, the company has not disclosed specific details about the timeline for reaching the initial 50-employee target or the total investment value for the new office. Additionally, GoCardless did not specify which universities or educational institutions it plans to partner with for talent recruitment.
The Leeds office opening is expected to occur later this year, though an exact launch date has not been confirmed. The company’s ability to meet its hiring targets will depend on regional labour market conditions and the continued development of the local fintech ecosystem.
