Fintech Awards London, the annual event celebrating and recognising outstanding achievements within London’s dynamic fintech sector, has welcomed two industry heavyweights to oversee its 2024 judging panel.
This year, the judging panel will be led by Christopher Woolard CBE, partner at EY, as well as Janine Hirt, CEO of Innovate Finance, as co-chairs.
Christopher Woolard brings with him a wealth of experience, having chaired the EY Global Regulatory Network and led EY EMEIA financial services regulation services with a focus on innovation. With over 25 years of public service, including pivotal roles at the Financial Conduct Authority and the Bank of England, Woolard has spearheaded initiatives like Project Innovate as well as the regulatory Sandbox, replicated in over 50 countries. Recognised for his contributions, he was also appointed CBE by HM the Queen in 2021 for his services to financial regulation and innovation.
With a background in policy, international relations and industry, Janine Hirt has played pivotal roles in driving transformation within the financial services sector. She is deeply committed to fostering a more democratic, transparent, and inclusive industry, ensuring that fintech continues to deliver better outcomes for customers and remains a cornerstone of the UK’s economic future.
‘Expertise and leadership’
Commenting on the appointments, Matt Hyde, managing director of Fintech Awards London, said: “Having Christopher Woolard and Janine Hirt as co-chairs for our 2024 judging panel is a testament to the calibre and influence of the Fintech Awards London. Their expertise and leadership will undoubtedly elevate the event, ensuring that we recognise and celebrate the remarkable achievements within London’s vibrant fintech ecosystem.”
Woolard said: “Fintech has the potential to deliver better outcomes for customers and is a vitally important part of the UK’s economic future. The Fintech Awards London are a valuable opportunity to recognise companies based in one of the world’s leading fintech hubs, and I am delighted to be on the judging panel for this year’s event.”
Also commenting, Hirt added: “The Fintech Awards London are a great opportunity to recognise and shine a spotlight on the transformative power of fintech. As we continue to drive the growth and competitiveness of the UK as a global fintech investment destination, I am honoured to be judging awards which recognise companies and leaders shaping the future of fintech.”
Nominations for Fintech Awards London are open until 11pm on 8 March 2024. Sixteen awards are up for grabs at Fintech Awards London 2024, including ‘Fintech Scale-up of the Year’, ‘Fintech Leader of the Year’, ‘Fintech New Product of the Year’ and ‘Fintech Advisory Firm of the Year’. Judges will draw up a shortlist of finalists for each award who will then be interviewed by the judging panel.
Taking place on Wednesday 12 June 2024 during Fintech Week London at The Underglobe on London’s Bankside, the annual awards evening brings together fintech professionals and companies that have made significant contributions to the UK’s capital and the fintech industry as a whole.
