Previously interim CEO since May, Robb will spearhead the organisation’s next growth phase, focusing on leveraging financial data to combat poverty and inequality.

Formerly CFO of SDF, Mr Robb has been a pivotal member of its leadership team since its inception. Mr Robb has been key to establishing the SDF vision of opening financial data for good as well creating dedicated data science and technology teams to support that vision and securing SDF’s earliest data sharing agreements, with NatWest group and Sage UK.

Over the past nine months Mr Robb has played a key role in the development of Smart Data Foundry overseeing its move to Edinburgh Futures Institute and co-leading the successful bid with the University of Edinburgh for £3m funding from Smart Data Research UK to set up the new Financial Data Service (FINDS).

Smart Data Foundry Chair, Dame Julia Unwin, said: “Dougie has more than demonstrated that he is the right person to lead Smart Data Foundry into the next phase of expansion and I am confident that under his leadership Smart Data Foundry will become even more of a force to be reckoned with, not just in the UK but internationally.

“We have the potential to make a major impact on some of society’s biggest challenges, and the skills, capability and determination to deliver.”

Mr Robb added: “Being appointed to lead Smart Data Foundry is a real honour. I’m fortunate to work with such a committed and passionate team, who are all dedicated to using their expertise to make a lasting impact on people’s lives. By delivering unparalleled financial insights, we aim to help policymakers more effectively tackle poverty and inequality, ensuring support reaches those who need it most.

“This is an especially exciting time for the organisation as we embark on a new chapter with the launch of the Financial Data Service. As part of a network of six data centres across the UK, we will be working together to position the nation as a global leader in smart data research and innovation.

“We are also close to unveiling our new Economic Wellbeing Explorer, a research tool that will offer valuable, real-time insights into the financial health of the nation by analysing anonymised data from 5.3 million consumer bank accounts.”

Smart Data Foundry has established an international reputation through its work delivering pioneering projects that drive social impact. This includes a Cost-of-Living Dashboard for East Renfrewshire Council, which uses near real-time, de-identified data from NatWest Group. The dashboard integrates financial well-being indicators with contextual information, helping the council better understand the challenges citizens face and how these might impact future policy interventions.

SDF also collaborate with Sage UK and cebr, using Sage UK small business productivity data to produce vital insights on how small businesses in the UK are faring in the current economic climate.

Other projects include the launch of the groundbreaking Income Volatility Dashboard with Joseph Rowntree Foundation. This innovative platform provides a comprehensive and unique view of income volatility and insecurity on consumers throughout the United Kingdom as a research and policy platform.