Ex-financial ombudsman chief Ceeney to head UK fintech association
FORMER financial ombudsman chief Natalie Ceeney CBE has been announced as the new chairman of Innovate Finance, at a time of heightened focus on the UK fintech sector as one of the key areas for the government’s post-Brexit strategy.
Ceeney (pictured) will replace Alastair Lukies CBE at the association’s top seat, bringing critical consumer-services and consumer-protection experience. During her tenure at the ombudsman, she led the resolution of the payment protection insurance mis-selling scandal – one of the biggest disputes to hit the country’s banking sector to date.
She previously served as head of consumer standards at HSBC and chief executive at the HM Courts and Tribunals Service. She currently heads up a boutique strategy consultancy practice and holds a non-executive director role at Countrywide.
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“I am delighted to hand over the chair of Innovate Finance to Natalie,” said Lukies. “She brings a passion for improving the way financial services deliver for customers and a career in deploying technology-driven change.
“Her proven and sincere passion for putting the consumer first whilst empathising with the needs of our world leading financial services industry make her ideal for this role.”
Innovate Finance’s chief executive Lawrence Wintermeyer said Ceeney will lead the 250-member association’s further growth trajectory “to becoming a world class membership association.”
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Ceeney agreed the association plays a crucial role in securing the UK fintech industry’s position both nationally and globally.
“The UK has already become the best place in the world for fintech companies to base themselves, with Innovate Finance playing a pivotal role in this success,” said Ceeney.
“I am looking forward to working with the Innovate Finance team and board, our member companies, and stakeholders to continue to strengthen the UK as the global fintech leader.”