We reconvened the Perseus User Needs & Impact Advisory Group, co-chaired by Icebreaker One and Barclays.
Date: 9 February 2026 10:00-11:30 GMT
Location: online
Secretariat: IB1
Meeting Aims:
- Orientate for 2026
- Agree workshops
- Review market based carbon accounting concept
Summary:
It was agreed that:
- The primary focus for the year ahead is on concrete customer use cases and case studies.
- Individual follow‑ups will be undertaken with Members to map internal stakeholders and decision‑making processes.
- Each Member will prioritise identification of at least one potential ‘lighthouse’ customer.
- Further work will document and consult on the proposed market‑based emissions methodology, including supporting FAQs.
It was noted that:
- 2026 is the key go‑to‑market period, translating existing technical capability into demonstrable customer value.
- Constructive early conversations have taken place with the Financial Conduct Authority regarding Perseus’ positioning with Smart Data/Open Finance initiatives.
- to broaden scope beyond lending to include savings, asset finance, and other financial products, the phrase “access to finance” has evolved to “financial incentives”
- £5–10bn potential addressable market is seen as ‘directionally credible’ and indicates substantial value opportunities for all stakeholders.
It was discussed that:
- From an SME perspective, particularly micro‑businesses, sustainability and net zero language has limited traction
- SMEs prioritise cost reductions, operational efficiency, and resilience, with emissions reduction often viewed as a secondary benefit. Perseus’ position as embedded sustainable finance is tactically aligned with this.
- A key opportunity to increase TAM is ‘taking incentives directly to where the SMEs are’ (i.e. in their accounting and analysis applications)
- Large financial institutions face material internal constraints, with implementation timelines often measured in years rather than months
- Technology is not the primary blocker; the key gap lies in the business case and incentive structures and this will inform our go‑to‑market approach, and clarity of financial value.
Next meeting: Monday 20 April 2026 10:00-11:30 GMT
Formal records, including attendees, are maintained by the secretariat.
These are confidential to the Advisory Group Members.