Pockit, a UK-based fintech firm, has made a high-profile addition to its board with the appointment of Anuar Utemuratov, who previously brought Burger King to Kazakhstan and expanded it to over 50 restaurants. The unconventional move reflects Pockit's efforts to strengthen its position in the competitive UK fintech market.
Utemuratov's background in finance is well-established, having worked as an analyst for JP Morgan before taking on the entrepreneurial venture in Kazakhstan. His success in establishing a fast-food empire has been followed by his entry into Pockit's boardroom, where he joins other notable figures, including former Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson and Revolut chair Martin Gilbert.
Pockit has also secured debt financing from Anchorgate Management, a company controlled by Santiago Calatrava, the renowned Spanish railway architect behind iconic European stations such as Liège-Guillemins in Belgium and Lyon Saint-Exupéry TGV station in France. This relationship underscores Pockit's ambition to bring innovative financial solutions to underserved demographics.
The fintech firm specialises in providing prepaid accounts to individuals who often lack a traditional credit score, including blue-collar workers, freelancers, and those with non-existent or limited credit histories. With an estimated 20-22 million UK adults falling into this category, Pockit aims to bridge the financial gap by offering accessible and user-friendly services.
Pockit's strategic moves, including the acquisition of struggling fintech Monese in 2024 and a $10 million (£7.4 million) funding round in 2023, demonstrate its commitment to expanding its user base and bolstering its technological capabilities. As the company continues to attract influential figures, it solidifies its position as a key player in the UK's fintech landscape.