Charlotte Crosswell is to step down from her role as CEO of Innovate Finance, the industry body representing UK fintech in May.
No reason was given for her departure and she will be replaced by Janine Hirt, Innovate Finance’s Chief Operating as interim CEO.
Crosswell, who took the helm in 2017, has played a pivotal role in accelerating the UK’s leading position in financial services by directly supporting the next generation of technology innovations.
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 secure funding,
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.”
She added, “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.”
She also believed, “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.”
Hirt said: “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.”
