B-North appoints former Citigroup exec as the new Head of Operational Risk & Compliance

By Megha Bhattacharya

Manchester-based regional SME lending bank, B-North has appointed Jackie Ewer as the Head of Operational Risk & Compliance. Jackie will be responsible for shaping policies and systems to manage Operational Risk, Conduct Risk, Compliance Risk and Financial Crime Risk.

Nancy Butler, Founder and Commercial Director of B-North said, “It is great to welcome Jackie to B-North at such an exciting time for the business. Jackie is another excellent addition to the team and brings with her experience at some of the biggest names in banking. We always look to hire top talent when building our teams so to add such an impressive skill set is another win for B-North. I look forward to working with Jackie as we continue to strengthen our Risk and Compliance functions. I am also delighted to welcome another senior woman to the business – diversity has always been a focus for us, as to best serve our customers we think it is important that we reflect them.”

Jackie has over 30 years of financial services experience. She has worked for major national and international banks, gaining experience across the risk spectrum. Jackie was previously Head of Conduct, Operational and Regulatory Risk at Al Ryan Bank. Before this, she was part of the senior management team at Williams and Glyn, as Director of Operational Risk. Jackie also spent 4 years as Head of Operational, Conduct and Reputational Risk (MBNA) for Bank of America. She began her career at Citigroup.

Jackie said, “I am so pleased to join B-North at such a vital point in the business’ journey. It is a great privilege to work as part of such a highly experienced and dedicated team helping to deliver the UK’s first truly regional lending bank in the last 150 years. I’m looking forward to working with the team to further strengthen our Risk and Compliance functions, helping to build the best bank we can for all stakeholders, and play our part in getting the UK economy moving.”

Recently, B-North announced that it has received a follow-on £250,000 investment from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority. The company has also secured an advertising-for-equity deal with Channel 4 Ventures. The investments form a part of the company’s over-subscribed £2.7m ‘Bridge’ funding round.