RFI Global Company Profile

Background

Overview

RFI Global is a global data and insights company dedicated exclusively to the financial services sector. Established in 2006, the company operates in 49 markets worldwide, providing actionable intelligence to financial institutions, fintechs, consultancies, and regulators. With regional offices in Toronto, London, Singapore, Sydney, and Mexico City, RFI Global combines global reach with deep local expertise to help financial institutions navigate complexity and change.

Mission and Vision

RFI Global's mission is to empower financial services leaders with the market intelligence they need to drive innovation, enhance customer experience, and accelerate growth. The company's vision is to be the leading provider of data-driven insights in the financial services industry, enabling clients to make informed decisions and stay ahead of market trends.

Primary Area of Focus

The company specializes in delivering tailored market research insights, focusing on consumer and business behaviors, market trends, and competitive assessments within the financial services industry. Their expertise spans retail, SME, and commercial banking sectors.

Industry Significance

RFI Global is recognized as a thought leader in the financial services data sector, providing unique and differentiated research and insights to many of the world's largest financial institutions and technology companies. Their data-driven insights have effectively mitigated uncertainty from the decision-making processes of leading financial service providers.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Innovation: Develop and deliver innovative research methodologies and insights to meet the evolving needs of the financial services industry.

Customer Experience Enhancement: Provide actionable intelligence that helps clients enhance customer experiences and satisfaction.

Growth Acceleration: Support clients in identifying and capitalizing on growth opportunities within the financial services sector.

Specific Areas of Specialization

Consumer and Business Behavior Analysis: Conduct extensive surveys and research to understand consumer and business behaviors, preferences, and needs.

Market Trend Identification: Analyze and report on emerging market trends, technological advancements, and regulatory changes affecting the financial services industry.

Competitive Benchmarking: Provide insights into competitor performance and strategies to help clients maintain a competitive edge.

Key Technologies Utilized

Data Analytics Platforms: Utilize advanced analytics tools to process and interpret large datasets.

Survey Methodologies: Employ both syndicated and bespoke research methodologies to gather comprehensive data.

Predictive Analytics: Use predictive modeling to forecast market trends and consumer behaviors.

Primary Markets Targeted

Retail Banking: Insights into consumer banking behaviors, preferences, and satisfaction.

SME Banking: Understanding the needs and challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises in the banking sector.

Commercial Banking: Analysis of business banking services, corporate client needs, and market dynamics.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

In November 2020, Diversis Capital Partners I LP, a Los Angeles-based private equity fund, provided a strategic growth investment in RFI Global. This partnership aimed to enhance RFI Global's technical and data-as-a-service capabilities, enabling the company to better serve the increasingly sophisticated digital data needs of its global client base.

Total Funds Raised

The specific total funds raised by RFI Global are not publicly disclosed.

Notable Investors

Diversis Capital Partners I LP: Provided a strategic growth investment in November 2020.

Intended Utilization of Capital

The capital from Diversis Capital was intended to support RFI Global's expansion of its technical and data-as-a-service capabilities, allowing the company to enhance its service offerings and better meet the digital data needs of its global clients.

Pipeline Development

As a data and insights provider, RFI Global's pipeline development focuses on expanding its research capabilities, enhancing data collection methodologies, and developing new analytical tools to provide deeper insights into the financial services sector. Specific details about pipeline candidates, stages of development, target conditions, and timelines for anticipated milestones are not publicly disclosed.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

Hybrid Syndicated Model: Combines the scale of syndicated research with the precision of bespoke insights to deliver comprehensive market intelligence.

Significant Scientific Methods

Data Analytics: Advanced analytics platforms are utilized to process and interpret large datasets, providing actionable insights.

Survey Methodologies: Employ both syndicated and bespoke research methodologies to gather comprehensive data.

Predictive Analytics: Use predictive modeling to forecast market trends and consumer behaviors.

Leadership Team

Matt Lawrence – Chief Executive Officer

Matt joined RFI Global in October 2023 as CEO. He is a seasoned c-suite executive with a range of experiences as an acting CEO, COO, CCO, and CFO. Throughout his 20-year+ career, he has a track record of leading rapid growth, multinational teams, and successful integrations. His skill set is best suited to fast growth, scale-up opportunities, and he particularly enjoys helping founders take their businesses to the next level.

Charles Green – Co-Founder

Charles has over 25 years of experience in B2B media and business intelligence in retail banking, payments, and commercial banking. In 2006, he founded RFI Global and has led the global expansion of the business, including strategic acquisitions and the opening of offices in Toronto, San Francisco, Washington DC, London, Singapore, Hong Kong, Sydney, and Melbourne. He remains hands-on in running and building the business, driving global growth, revenue, and profits, and is particularly passionate about developing and growing RFI Global’s brand, culture, and team.

Alan Shields – Co-Founder and Chief Data Officer

Alan has more than 20 years of experience in research and analysis, focusing on financial services across Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Asia Pacific. Prior to setting up RFI Global in 2006, Alan was Head of Financial Services – Asia Pacific at global research firm Datamonitor.

Julien Wilson – Chief Customer Officer – Asia Pacific

Julien is responsible for overseeing customer relationships and business development in the Asia Pacific region.

Chris Greenacre – Chief Financial Officer

Chris manages the financial operations of RFI Global, ensuring financial stability and supporting strategic growth initiatives.

Victoria Bateman – Chief Operating Officer

Victoria oversees the operational aspects of RFI Global, ensuring efficient delivery of services and operational excellence.

Market Insights and Competitor Analysis

The market for financial services data and insights is characterized by rapid technological advancements, increasing demand for data-driven decision-making, and a growing emphasis on customer experience. Financial institutions are seeking comprehensive and actionable intelligence to navigate complex market dynamics and regulatory environments.

RFI Global operates in a competitive landscape with several key players offering similar services. Notable competitors include:

Industry Dive: Provides industry-specific news and insights across various sectors, including financial services.

Plunkett Research: Conducts market research and analysis across multiple industries, offering data and forecasts.

Veridion: Offers business data and firmographic information, operating within the data and analytics industry.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

In November 2020, RFI Global partnered with Diversis Capital Partners I LP, a Los Angeles-based private equity fund, to enhance its technical and data-as-a-service capabilities. This strategic growth investment aimed to support RFI Global's expansion and better serve the increasingly sophisticated digital data needs of its global client base.

Operational Insights

RFI Global's strategic considerations include maintaining a competitive edge through continuous innovation, expanding its global footprint, and enhancing data collection and analysis methodologies. The company differentiates itself by offering a hybrid syndicated model that combines the scale of syndicated research with the precision of bespoke insights, providing clients with comprehensive and actionable intelligence.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

RFI Global is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for data-driven insights in the financial services sector. Future opportunities include expanding into emerging markets, developing new analytical tools and methodologies, and enhancing data-as-a-service offerings to meet the evolving needs of clients. The company's commitment to innovation and customer-centric approaches remains a core driver of its growth and market relevance.