The UK’s newly established Centre for Finance, Innovation and Technology (CFIT) has named Charlotte Crosswell OBE as its first Chair, starting on 4 January 2023.

Crosswell is the current Chair and Trustee of the Open Banking Implementation Entity (OBIE). Previously, she was the CEO of Innovate Finance, and the CEO of Nasdaq NLX.

She was also a board director at LCH, UK Finance and TheCityUK, and head of international business development at the London Stock Exchange Group.

Crosswell’s appointment follows a robust recruitment process, led by a diverse panel and run independently of HM Treasury and the City of London Corporation.

The CFIT’s establishment is a result of the 2021 Kalifa Review of UK Fintech, a government review of the state of fintech in the country led by Sir Ron Kalifa with key stakeholders from the fintech ecosystem.

Crosswell and the CFIT executive, to be appointed in the coming months, will consider the proposals put forth by the review committee and set out plans for CFIT’s first programmes of work.

“Charlotte brings deep and unique experience from across the fintech and financial services ecosystem. She will drive forward CFIT’s vision and ensure vital engagement with the fintech ecosystem,”

said Chris Hayward, Policy Chairman of the City of London Corporation.

“I am honoured to take on the position of the first Chair of the CFIT and increase the global scale and impact of the UK fintech sector,”

said Charlotte Crosswell.