← State of Embedded Finance 2026

Azets

Can a large regional accountancy firm become the integrated digital finance partner for UK and Nordic SMEs by embedding lender referrals, expense management, payroll, and compliance tools into its own client platform (Cozone)?

HQLondon, United Kingdom
IndustryVertical SaaS / Accounting
The story

Azets is a large UK and Nordic regional accountancy and business advisory firm operating across 8 countries with 9,000 staff and 100,000+ clients. Originally focused on audit, tax, and accounting services, the firm has progressively embedded financial products and digital tools—including its proprietary Cozone platform, an expense management app, and partnerships with lenders—into its service delivery. The embedded finance angle is advisory and referral-led rather than balance-sheet-led: Azets acts as an intermediary introducing clients to lenders and financial service providers rather than operating its own regulated financial products.

Last 12 months
2025-06
Product timeline
2022
Announced strategic partnership with Bibby Financial Services to offer invoice finance facilities up to £250,000 to SME clients.· lending
2024
Launched debt advisory service led by Head of Debt Advisory Mark Barrie to support businesses with funding and cashflow challenges.· lending
2025
Became first UK accountancy firm to submit a Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax quarterly update for a landlord via Xero, in collaboration with HMRC.· pivot
The stack
Lending
Invoice Finance (via Bibby Financial Services)Debt Advisory referral service
Accounting
XeroAccountsIQBig Red CloudDext PrepareDext PrecisionApprovalMaxCaseware CloudCashAnalytics
Accounting gap: minor