Our people

Stephen drives the strategic growth of Scotland’s FinTech cluster, leveraging extensive experience in financial services, including leadership roles at Standard Life, Barclays and entrepreneurial businesses. He also serves on the board of the UK Government’s Centre for Finance, Innovation, and Technology, championing innovation and collaboration across the UK and globally.

Aleks joined FinTech Scotland in 2025 and leads the organisation. With 25+ years’ fintech experience, he has delivered fintech transformation programmes in large firms, built two Scotland‑based tech companies from foundation to exit, advised on growth, and launched one of the UK’s first corporate venturing programmes. He previously served on the FinTech Scotland board for four years and is a trustee of the Sailors’ Children’s Society, a LawscotTech adviser, and an Estatesearch Group board member.

Kirsty joined FinTech Scotland in 2022 to deliver the Research and Innovation Roadmap. An innovation‑focused delivery leader with 15+ years across financial services, regulation and technology, she leads complex programmes across strategy, regulatory change and emerging tech. She excels in applied innovation delivery, scalable operating models and stakeholder alignment, optimising governance, and building ecosystems.

Clare joined FinTech Scotland in 2025 to lead the Research & Innovation Roadmap, focusing on the Financial Regulation Innovation Lab (FRIL). With 20+ years across innovation, research, financial services and policy, she drives collaboration between fintechs, industry, academia and regulators. Previously Director of Policy and Public Affairs at Prosper, she held senior roles at Experian and Robertson Group.

Duncan joined FinTech Scotland in 2026 and now leads stakeholder engagement and ecosystem development. He previously held a key role in entrepreneurship at the University of Edinburgh, fostering innovation and entrepreneurial education. With a PhD in Neuroscience and an MBA, Duncan brings critical thinking and leadership skills to drive collaboration across the fintech community.

Sam joined FinTech Scotland in 2026 to lead the Financial Regulation Innovation Lab (FRIL). With over 15 years’ experience in innovation, strategy, and ecosystem development 'for purpose', she has delivered programmes spanning financial inclusion, emerging technologies, and complex digital transformation. Having co-led an innovation agency, Sam convenes industry, academia, government and innovators in the UK and internationally to accelerate collaboration, responsible innovation, and inclusive economic growth.

Taleya joined FinTech Scotland in 2024 after earning an MSc in Financial Technology with Distinction from the University of Strathclyde. With a strong academic foundation in fintech and hands‑on finance experience, she brings a strategic, analytical approach to supporting Scotland’s dynamic fintech ecosystem. Previously, she was an Investment Analyst at BMA Investment Advisors Ltd.

Jessica joined FinTech Scotland in 2025 and leads strategic communications to promote Scotland’s fintech leadership, drawing on ten years’ experience in finance and marketing. Previously, at Energy Saving Trust, she led multichannel campaigns promoting sustainable initiatives funded by Transport Scotland and the Department for Transport. She holds an MSc in International Marketing from the University of London and is a Chartered Marketer.

Sophie joined FinTech Scotland in 2026, where she leads the marketing function to support Scotland’s dynamic fintech ecosystem. She brings 11 years’ experience in helping purpose‑led organisations connect with their audiences through ethical marketing. Previously, she worked with Innovate UK Business Connect, where she supported AgriFood innovation.

Grace joined the University of Strathclyde in 2025 as High Growth Adviser for the Financial Regulation Innovation Lab (FRIL), run with FinTech Scotland and the University of Glasgow. With eight years’ experience in innovation, start-up engagement and community building, she previously led Rise London and Barclays’ FinTech platform, overseeing Europe’s largest fintech hub and connecting enterprise-ready start-ups to global opportunities.

Shery joined FinTech Scotland in 2018 from RBS, where she worked in the Risk function for 11 years. Previously, she spent a decade in New York in Old Master paintings, first at a private gallery and then at Christie’s auction house. Known for strong client relationships and adaptability, Shery oversees daily administrative logistics, ensuring smooth operations in a fast‑changing environment.