FinTech Scotland appoints senior leader to accelerate plans for the Financial Regulation Innovation Lab

FinTech Scotland has announced today the appointment of a new senior leader, Trish Quinn, who joins as Strategic Innovation Director. Trish will be leading the development of the Financial Regulation Innovation Lab (FRIL) which is due to launch later on this year.

The Financial Regulation Innovation Lab (FRIL) is one of the recommendations laid out in the UK Fintech research & Innovation Roadmap published in March 2022. It is set to be a new collaborative centre of excellence for cutting-edge fintech developments in financial regulation. The Lab will explore solutions that aim to streamline regulatory processes, enhance compliance measures, and drive efficiencies across the financial sector.

FinTech Scotland, in partnership with industry partners, and with the University of Strathclyde and the University of Glasgow, will stand up the launch the Lab and drive progress this year. This industry-led initiative showcases the power of the Fintech Scotland Cluster to drive innovation.  This project is funded by the Glasgow City Region Innovation Accelerator programme, led by Innovate UK on behalf of UK Research and Innovation. This financial support from the UK Government continues to endorse the opportunity from the emerging fintech sector to support growth across the UK economy.

As the newly appointed Innovation Director, Quinn will be responsible for leading the Lab and working with partners across Scotland and in the UK, in delivering a programme      that will enable efficiencies through technology to meet the needs of current and future financial regulation. Quinn brings a wealth of experience in digital transformation and digital product development to her new role, having previously served in a number of senior digital roles in both the UK and     Scottish Government.

Commenting on her appointment, Trish Quinn said:

"I am delighted to join FinTech Scotland as the Innovation Director and lead the Financial Regulation Innovation Lab. The potential to reshape      the financial industry through technology applied to financial regulation is significant, and I am excited to join the team at FinTech Scotland to drive innovation, foster collaboration, and contribute to the growth of the fintech sector."

Nicola Anderson, CEO of FinTech Scotland, said:

"Trish brings      extensive experience in digital transformation, leading strategic initiatives across her career with an emphasis on      change through collaboration and partnerships.      Her leadership and experience will help us accelerate the Lab's development, creating the conditions needed for more fintech growth in Glasgow and the FinTech Scotland cluster.

David Hillier, Associate Principal and Executive Dean of the University of Strathclyde Business School said:

“We are excited to welcome Trish to lead this critical initiative. The University of Strathclyde has significant expertise to bring, and we’re looking forward to driving this initiative, working closely with our industry partners across the FinTech Scotland Cluster and our academic partners in the University of Glasgow to drive this opportunity for Glasgow City Region. The Lab creates the environment for high-potential innovation in a subject that’s fundamental to the success of our financial system”.

Eleanor Shaw, Head of the University of Glasgow Adam Smith Business School said:

“Trish will lead a ground-breaking initiative that’s a first for Scotland and the UK, and we are delighted to be working with her. It’s fantastic to see Glasgow City Region’s innovation capabilities and ambition come together to create what will become a key asset for Scotland and the UK in driving innovation in financial regulation. The University of Glasgow is looking forward to playing a leading role.”

Dr. Catherine Martin, Vice Principal Corporate Services, University of Edinburgh said:

“I’m very pleased to welcome Trish to FinTech Scotland and want to congratulate her on this appointment. The Financial Regulation Innovation Lab is an exciting new endeavour and we at Edinburgh are pleased to support this opportunity for Glasgow and for Scotland. As a founding member of FinTech Scotland it’s a pleasure to see the fintech opportunity continue to grow across Scotland and the UK”.