Stephen Ingledew

The panel aims to bring citizens and consumers directly into fintech product design by connecting fintech entrepreneurs with consumer and citizen advocate groups, placing an emphasis on citizen financial inclusion, problem solving and innovation.

Founding participants in the consumer panel include a range of organisations from the consumer advocacy, third and public sectors, as well as academic, including Money Advice Scotland, the Scottish Government, University of Strathclyde, University of Edinburgh, The Big Issue, the Money and Pensions Service, Step Change, Age Scotland, Fresh Start Edinburgh, Passion4Fusion and Mental Health and Money Advice.

Announcing the new consumer panel, Stephen Ingledew, CEO of FinTech Scotland, said: “This is an important aspect to the work of FinTech Scotland.

“Fintech provides a major opportunity to improve the way people can engage with their money and finances. The consumer panel aims to bring people directly into the conversation and increase inclusion within fintech and the financial services industry more broadly. It will give greater access to customer insights enhancing the focus for good customer outcomes which is our definition of what the fintech movement is.”

Yvonne MacDermid, CEO of Money Advice Scotland, said: “Working with fintech propositions will help the debt advice sector connect with more people in a range of different ways and enable consumers to gain confidence in using digital applications.”

Kate Forbes MSP added: “The FinTech consumer panel will help drive inclusion across our society and economy as we make new technological and digital developments. This is a hugely positive and practical step that will ensure that our people are fully involved in the digitalisation of our technology and financial services.”