Muse Finance announces its new advisory board

By Joy Dumasia

Muse Finance, a bespoke SME finance provider, announces that it has finalised the appointment of its advisory board, which will support Muse with strategic advice for its growth. The advisory board members bring over 150 years of collective expertise in commercial finance, financial services, law and operations working at premier global institutions.

Muse’s advisory board members were selected based on their expertise from founding and advising high-growth companies and their experience of delivering exceptional levels of service within financial institutions. As Muse now reaches key milestones in terms of the business’ expansion targets, its growth trajectory and product iteration, the board will provide expertise across several crucial areas. 

With over 20 years experience at leading financial firms, including Vanguard, WorldPay and Willis, Plastic Bank CFO Teuta Oruci will directly advise on Muse’s plans to expand into international markets across Europe and the US. As finance advisor, Teuta will also help to ensure financial compliance across the business.

Co-founder and Partner of Domain Matters, Ian Bentnick, brings 30 years of expertise in information and data consulting and software development. Ian’s experience at leading firms IBM and Capco, where he devised and implemented vital data strategies, will see him advising the Muse team on its technology proposition and data strategy.

An experienced counsel with a number of senior roles at banking and financial services firms, including Investec Private Bank, Avaloq and D2 Alternative Investment, Charles Stott will also advise Muse with legal counsel surrounding its plans for growth.

The full list of advisory board members includes:

• Ian Bentnick – Co-founder and Partner, Domain Matters Ltd
• Teuta Oruci – Global CFO, Plastic Bank
• Jeff Longhurst – Director, Longhurst Consulting Ltd
• Stephane Carty – Founding Partner, Blackheath Capital Management LLP
• Charles Stott – Legal Counsel and Compliance Advisor
• Dominic Scarlett – Executive HR & Operational Consultant

Ann Marie Juliano, Founder & CEO of Muse Finance, said: “Our newly appointed advisory board will play a key role in ensuring that Muse is giving small businesses the level of service and high-quality products that they deserve. As the economy in the coming months continues to look increasingly challenging, we will also be actively discussing our plans with the board to help our small businesses clients navigate this difficult environment with targeted finance solutions.”

Teuta Oruci, Global CFO, Plastic Bank, said: “Muse is helping to deliver a high-level, white-glove service for business financing that is sorely lacking in the SME environment. The aftermath of the pandemic, as well as wider macroeconomic factors such as the situation in Ukraine, are seeing smaller businesses increasingly looking for financial partners that can support their business during these challenging times. Muse is doing just that and providing firms with invoice and supply finance solutions that align with their revenue streams. The board is excited to support Muse’s growth, as well as working closely with Ann and her team to enact the business’ vision.”

IBS Intelligence recently reported that Muse Finance, the business finance startup, announced that it had launched a new solution combining supply finance and invoice finance to help businesses pay overseas suppliers while unlocking cash tied up in their pending invoices.