FinTech NI announces new chairperson
FinTech NI has named board member Chris Jessup as its new chairperson, taking over from outgoing chair and Northern Ireland fintech envoy Andrew Jenkins.
Jessup (pictured), has served on the board of the FinTech NI Association for the past three years. He is also a partner at corporate law firm A&L Goodbody, where he has spent many years advising fintech companies and financial services institutions on UK and EU regulatory matters.
“I am excited to take on the position of chairperson of FinTech NI at such an important time for the sector,” said Jessup.
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“The possibility for growth in Northern Ireland is very evident, yet strong leadership from all stakeholders is required to ensure the companies that make up our dynamic ecosystem are represented on the local and international stage.
“We are facing into a turbulent time on several fronts. It has never been more vital for the Northern Irish economy to support our small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), build a sustainable talent pipeline, and encourage scaling among entrepreneurs so that we can reach our full potential.
“These are the areas I intend to focus on as I embark on my term as chairperson.”
According to the latest data from FinTech NI, the Northern Ireland fintech sector is currently worth £392m, with potential for further growth.
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Last year, FinTech NI published a three-year fintech strategy for Northern Ireland as one of the UK’s 10 leading fintech clusters. It aims to aid the creation of 25 new fintech companies, to attract £25m in additional foreign direct investment, and to generate thousands of new jobs in the next three years.
This will involve attracting more young people into the sector, connecting SMEs to investors and large institutions, and promoting Northern Ireland on the world stage.
Jessup thanked his fellow board members and outgoing chair Jenkins for laying the groundwork for this three-year roadmap.
“The depth of expertise on the board, as well as the quality of our ecosystem, will undoubtedly help us deliver on our key aims and cement Northern Ireland’s position as a world leader in fintech,” he said.
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