Charlotte Crosswell will step down from her position as CEO of UK FinTech industry body Innovate Finance next month.
COO Janine Hirt will take over on an interim basis from 1st May.
Crosswell has served in the top job for almost four years. Appointed in 2017, she has played a pivotal role in the body’s efforts to accelerate the UK’s leading role in financial services by directly supporting the next generation of technology-led innovators.
This included leading Innovate Finance’s contribution as co-Secretariat to the landmark Kalifa Review, which set out a plan for the UK to retain its global leadership in FinTech by helping the country’s financial technology firms to scale up, access the talent and finance they need, and deliver better financial services.
“After nearly four years as CEO of Innovate Finance, the time has come for me to step aside,” said Crosswell.
“It has been a privilege to lead the UK’s FinTech industry body through a period of tremendous growth, which has seen our members scale globally and the sector cement its position as a world leader.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed working with all our members, the government, regulators and the wider global ecosystem, to champion the innovation taking place in our financial services sector and lift the profile of Innovate Finance to be the voice of UK FinTech.
“The recommendations of the recently published Kalifa Review herald the start of an exciting period of growth for both UK FinTech and Innovate Finance. The strategy defined in the review will accelerate significant opportunities to move the sector forwards as the industry matures.
“With the Kalifa Review complete and the increased profile of the FinTech sector and our members, it feels the right time to hand over the reins.
“FinTech and Innovate Finance have a significant role to play in the next phase of our financial services innovation, and I am looking forward to staying close to the sector.”
Natalie Ceeney, Chair of Innovate Finance, said: “Charlotte has done a truly incredible job for the last four years as CEO of Innovate Finance to promote and support the FinTech ecosystem and how it is positioned across the UK and overseas.
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“The UK remains the best place to start and grow a FinTech company and the sector has a significant role to play in the future of financial services. Charlotte leaves Innovate Finance extremely well placed to support our members, to advocate for the sector and the role it can play in the UK’s economic recovery. I wish Charlotte all the very best for the future.
“Charlotte will closely work with Janine to ensure a smooth transition for our members and our work across the ecosystem.”
Hirt added: “I am honoured and hugely excited to lead Innovate Finance into a new phase, building on the great work undertaken by Charlotte.
“As UK FinTech has strengthened and matured, it has contributed to creating a fairer, more inclusive and efficient financial services sector.
“I look forward to working closely with our amazing IF team, our members, Government, regulators and the entire ecosystem, to ensure the UK retains its world-leading position in financial innovation.”