FinTech North has appointed its first chairman as it prepares to embark on “the most ambitious phase of its growth” since its inception in 2016.
HM Treasury FinTech Envoy Chris Sier described his new role as “highly complementary” to his professional interests and his personal passion for the regional economy.
Sier delivered a keynote speech at FinTech North’s inaugural conference in 2016 and has chaired the Leeds conference for the last two years. He also delivered keynotes at the 2018 conferences in Manchester and Liverpool.
A vocal advocate of regional FinTech and innovation, Siers is also currently Professor of Financial Technology at the University of Leeds and is Professor of Practice at Newcastle University Business School.
“It is an honour and a pleasure to confirm Chris Sier as the first chairman of FinTech North,” said FinTech North and Whitecap Consulting director Julian Wells.
“He is a long standing supporter of so many things FinTech North strives to achieve, not least the creation of a vibrant regional FinTech community in the north of England.
“Chris’ passion to champion innovation in the regional economy is well documented, and his unique blend of experience in financial services, the public sector, and academia makes him the perfect choice to chair FinTech North.”
In addition to his Treasury role as FinTech Envoy for the Northern Powerhouse, Sier has advised stakeholders including the UK government and regulators on innovation and FinTech and also advises various trade bodies on pension fund corporate governance and cost transparency.
He has recently chaired the Financial Conduct Authority’s board investigating the information asymmetries and costs of the asset management industry, which was one of the outputs of the Market Study on asset management released in 2017.
He said: “The UK is fortunate to have a core strength in financial services and a forward-thinking regulator. London’s role in the global FinTech economy is a significant one, but I strongly feel the regional cities of the UK have much to offer on a national and international basis, with the Northern Powerhouse perhaps the region with the most potential.
“I’d like to see an increasing amount of collaboration across the northern cities and I think FinTech North is perfectly placed to help create the joined up environment and community that is required for the north to prosper,” Siers added.