If you’re looking for an ideal place to launch or grow a fintech company, Utah wants to be at the top of the list. A Wall Street Journal article highlights the University of Utah’s new Stena Center for Financial Technology as the latest initiative to accelerate Utah’s position as a leading fintech hub. Launched earlier this year, the center provides workshops, research, an annual conference and other programs for students, faculty and industry partners.  The center was launched with vision and support from the Stena Foundation, which was founded by University of Utah alumni Steve and Jana Smith to help people thrive by solving big problems.

Utah has become a popular place for fintechs with its bank friendly environment and talent pool that has developed over the last several years. State and city government officials have also concentrated efforts on developing the fintech ecosystem. All of this contributes to an 18% growth in tech and finance jobs over the last five years in the state, with 180,000 people working in the industry.

Click here to read the full article, Salt Lake City Ups the Ante in Bid to Become a Fintech Hub (paywall).