Sarah Kocianski Announced As New CEO for FinTech Wales

Sarah Kocianski is set to become the Chief Executive Officer of FinTech Wales starting 1 March 2024, marking a significant chapter in the narrative of the independent membership organisation dedicated to fostering the fintech and financial services sectors in Wales. With a rich history of over ten years in the fintech and insurtech arenas, Kocianski brings a wealth of experience from her engagements with global firms and startups spanning the financial spectrum, including eminent banks, insurers, healthtech companies, and retail businesses.

Her journey also encompasses contributions to several fintech associations such as Qorus, and her role on the committee of WVC:E, focusing on promoting equity within the venture capital space to the advantage of both investors and entrepreneurs. Before assuming her new role, Kocianski used her strategic insight at Founders Factory, aiding financial service partners like Aviva in finessing their fintech investment approaches, and led the Competitor Strategy at 11:FS, a pioneering consultancy providing benchmarking, research, and advisory services globally to a diverse clientele including banks, insurance companies, government bodies, regulatory agencies, and startups.

Upon her appointment, Kocianski expressed her enthusiasm for leading FinTech Wales, emphasising her intent to leverage her extensive background to bolster the fintech ecosystem in Wales. She highlighted the challenges of establishing and scaling a fintech venture, especially in securing funding and crafting investment strategies, and voiced her eagerness to augment the already vibrant Welsh fintech scene, known for its innovation and talent. Kocianski’s vision is to elevate Wales’ status as a fintech hub of international repute, driven by the region’s abundant resources, and the inherent drive and passion of its fintech community.

Sarah Williams-Gardener, who passes on the CEO mantle to become the new Chair of FinTech Wales, praised Kocianski’s appointment, citing her deep-seated industry knowledge and commitment to fintech as pivotal to the organisation’s future success. Williams-Gardener’s endorsement underscores a seamless transition aimed at further nurturing and expanding the Welsh fintech ecosystem.

Since its inception in April 2019, FinTech Wales has been instrumental in providing support to its member network, advocating on their behalf to key political and financial influencers, and striving to create a fertile environment that not only retains existing fintech entities but also attracts new ventures to Wales. The organisation’s mission to establish Wales as a centre of fintech excellence is underpinned by a strategic four-year plan focusing on enhancing skills and talent, fostering community and ecosystem development, amplifying funding and investment opportunities, and promoting Wales as an ideal location for fintech and financial organisations.

This mission received a significant boost with a five-year, £1.6 million investment from Cardiff Capital Region (CCR) in June 2022, reinforcing a collaborative effort to position Wales at the forefront of the UK’s fintech sector. For further details about FinTech Wales and its initiatives, visit their website at www.fintechwales.org.