FinTech Wales appoints Starling Bank exec as its new CEO

By Megha Bhattacharya

FinTech Wales has recently announced that it has appointed Sarah Williams – Gardener as its first CEO. The new CEO will be responsible for supporting the advisory board and strengthening the FinTech’s position in the market.

The company’s Founder and Chairman and UK Government’s FinTech Envoy for Wales, Richard Theo, said, “We were looking for someone who shares our passion for the industry and who will work with the Board to strengthen our position in Wales, the UK and beyond. Sarah is just that person. It’s wonderful to welcome Sarah to the team as she has a huge amount of experience that will be a huge benefit to FinTech Wales.”

Previously, Sarah worked as the Director of Public Affairs at Starling Bank. She was also a founding member of the team behind the challenger bank Starling. She spent 17 years at IBM, latterly as Government Affairs Director working with Government departments, as well as working on commercial and innovation projects. Since leaving Starling in June 2019, Sarah held an interim CEO role at charity Hope for Children, as well as being market, consumer insights and product design team at Fair 4 All Finance.

Sarah commented on her appointment, “I am thrilled to be joining FinTech Wales as its first CEO. This is such an exciting time for FinTech globally, but even more so in Wales with so many companies both emerging and thriving. The ability to combine my passion for FinTech and Wales is super exciting, I’m looking forward working with the FinTech Wales’ members to put Wales firmly on the FinTech and financial services map globally.”