Stephen is the Executive Chair of FinTech Scotland, the independent enterprise focused on delivering positive economic outcomes through financial innovation.
He has led FinTech Scotland since its formation in 2018, initially as Chief Executive, to be recognised as one of Europe’s top financial technology (fintech) economic cluster bodies, a status awarded in 2020.
This economic and innovation progress has been achieved by bringing together diverse participants such as entrepreneurs, large businesses, government, citizen and universities to drive positive economic outcomes whilst contributing to the global fintech movement.
Throughout his career, Stephen has been an influential advocate of making the financial world more open, creative and inclusive through innovative digital and data initiatives, encouraging progressive ways of working and collaboration across diverse stakeholders .
Stephen’s career over four decades has earned a track record and reputation for leading the implementation of customer focused, technology enabled initiatives in a wide range of financial firms, including executive roles with large institutions such as Standard Life and Barclays as well as a number of early-stage innovative enterprises.
Today, Stephen is also Member of the UK Government’s Innovation Expert Group, advising on how innovation can improve productivity across all sectors of the economy, as well as a Non-Executive Member of the University of Strathclyde Court, a member of the Scottish Government’s Financial Services Advisory Board and the UK Dept of International Trade FinTech Steering Board.
Living in Edinburgh with his family and enjoying his other passion of being a competitive long distance runner.