David Henderson joins FinTech West as Strategic Advisor
David Henderson speaking at the inaugural FinTech West event in February 2019
FinTech West, the regional FinTech body for the South West, has appointed David Henderson as Strategic Advisor.
Over the coming months, David will work with FinTech West’s directors and advisory board as it continues to evolve and roll out its strategy and plans, which were announced earlier this year.
David is co-founder of Bristol Tech Festival and until recently was Head of Transformation at Hargreaves Lansdown in Bristol. He has 19 years of experience of the Financial Services sector and was recently appointed as an advisor to Stratiphy, a FinTech firm in the investment and robo-advice space.
Stuart Harrison, Director of FinTech West, says:
“David has always been a strong advocate of FinTech West and our goal to bring together the regional FinTech community and support the growth of the sector. Over recent months we developed a high-level strategy and we are now fortunate to have David working with us to refine our thinking and implementation plans, as he considers his long-term career plans.”
David Henderson says:
“I’m delighted to be working with Stuart, Julian and the team and to be able to play a part in the evolution of FinTech West. Over recent years I have seen firsthand how many exciting tech-focused startups there are in the region, and the impact they can make on the financial sector. FinTech West has helped put the region on the map but there is much more that can be achieved. Over the coming months on a national level the recommendations of the Kalifa Review will continue to be considered and actioned, and there is no doubt in my mind that this will create significant opportunities for the South West.”
Originally launched in 2017 as Bristol FinTech, FinTech West has now hosted 20 events in the region and supported various regional, national and international initiatives. It is part of the FinTech National Network, a group which includes Innovate Finance, FinTech North, FinTech Scotland, FinTech Wales, FinTechNI, and SuperTech WM (West Midlands).
Julian Wells, Director of Whitecap Consulting & FinTech West, says:
“This is a great time to have David’s help at FinTech West. The opportunities in FinTech across the UK have grown exponentially over recent years and this looks set to continue. The regional FinTech sector in the South West is thriving and via FinTech West it is great to be playing a part in supporting the growth of the cluster, whilst also building profile and awareness on a national and international level.”
FinTech West has already actioned a number of the plans it announced in February, including forming an advisory board which has been meeting monthly since March. In addition to Stuart Harrison, Julian Wells and David Henderson, the board is made up of a group of key stakeholders in the regional community including: Ali Kazmi (Ethical Equity), Chris Carr (University of the West of England), Glenn Smith (Roqqett), Ingrid Anusic (Moneyhub), Jon Beaverstock (University of Bristol), Marty Reid (Engine Shed & SETsquared), Paul Jones (British Business Bank) and Stephanie Poon (Invest Bristol & Bath/WECA).