Medan, August 27, 2025. The Department of Sharia Banking, Universitas Potensi Utama (UPU), officially signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with Welbeck and Bradwell, a professional consulting and advisory institution based in the United Kingdom. The signing marks the beginning of an international collaboration focusing on innovation in financial technology (FinTech) and the enhancement of digital financial literacy through consulting, training, and knowledge exchange.

The agreement was signed by Dr. Lalua Rahsiad, Managing Partner of Welbeck and Bradwell, and Siti Kadariah, S.H.I., M.E., Head of the Department of Sharia Banking, Universitas Potensi Utama. This partnership reflects both institutions’ mutual commitment to advancing the latest developments in financial technology and promoting sustainable financial inclusion.

 

The main objective of this Letter of Intent is to establish a framework for future cooperation between Welbeck and Bradwell and Universitas Potensi Utama in promoting innovation and capacity building in the field of FinTech. The collaboration will emphasize consulting and advisory services, enhancement of digital financial literacy, and the facilitation of knowledge sharing through specialized research, training, and workshops.

According to the signed agreement, the potential areas of collaboration include, but are not limited to:

Through these areas of cooperation, both institutions aim to integrate financial innovation with ethical and sustainable principles, creating a model of responsible FinTech development that aligns with the values of Sharia-based finance.

 

Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Business, Alim Murtani, M.A., praised the collaboration as a significant milestone in the university’s journey toward internationalization. “The partnership with Welbeck and Bradwell allows Universitas Potensi Utama to connect its academic development with global industry practices, especially in the rapidly growing FinTech sector,” he stated.

Head of the Department of Sharia Banking, Siti Kadariah, S.H.I., M.E., emphasized that this agreement represents a new opportunity for the department to enhance its research and innovation capabilities. “This collaboration will not only strengthen our students’ and faculty members’ understanding of digital finance but also contribute to building a culture of innovation that aligns with Islamic ethical principles,” she remarked.

Representatives from Welbeck and Bradwell expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, noting that the collaboration reflects a shared vision to bridge academic research with practical financial innovation. “We are honored to partner with Universitas Potensi Utama in advancing inclusive and sustainable FinTech solutions that benefit society at large,” said Dr. Lalua Rahsiad, Managing Partner of Welbeck and Bradwell.

Although the Letter of Intent is not legally binding, it embodies a strong spirit of cooperation and goodwill between both institutions. It establishes the groundwork for the formulation of a more formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the future, with the aim of expanding collaborative activities and long-term engagement.

The agreement will remain valid for two years from the date of signing and is expected to pave the way for continuous exchange of expertise, innovation, and academic advancement.

Universitas Potensi Utama extends its sincere appreciation to Welbeck and Bradwell for their trust and collaboration. This partnership signifies an important step in realizing UPU’s vision to become a globally engaged institution that integrates academic excellence, innovation, and ethical financial practice in the digital era.