Board Changes at the Centre for Finance, Innovation and Technology (CFIT)
The Centre for Finance, Innovation and Technology (CFIT) announces today that Charlotte Crosswell OBE is stepping down from her role as Chair to focus on her role as Executive Chair of leading fintech, Raidiam, and her other non-executive board roles.
Under Charlotte’s leadership, CFIT has successfully navigated its foundational phase, establishing a strong cross-industry presence and delivering impactful coalitions in Digital Verification and Open Finance. She has positioned CFIT as the Government’s principal delivery body for innovation in financial services, sitting at the heart of their growth-led industrial strategy. Her oversight of the recent review into SME finance has also helped shape vital thinking on access to growth capital and financial inclusion across the UK’s innovation ecosystem.
Charlotte Crosswell OBE said:
“It has been a privilege to serve as the founding non-executive Chair of CFIT. I’m immensely proud of the work we’ve done – from building a talented team to delivering cross-sector coalitions that are already driving change. CFIT has an instrumental role in catalysing fintech innovation in the UK and I look forward to seeing it lead further ground-breaking solutions. I am in particular grateful for the support of HM Treasury and the City of London Corporation.”
Madush Gupta, currently Non-Executive Director at CFIT, will assume the role of Acting Chair, pending a formal appointment process. A banking leader in innovation and technology policy, Madush also serves as Lead Member for Technology and Innovation at the City of London Corporation and brings extensive experience across financial services and digital transformation.
Stephen Ingledew OBE will take up the role of Senior Independent Director (SID), continuing to bring valuable strategic insight to CFIT’s governance, alongside serving Non-Executive Director, Alex Marsh, who has significant Board, unicorn fintech and start-up experience.
A recruitment process to further extend the strength and breadth of the Board has been underway for some time and is now at an advanced stage.
Founding board member and CFIT Acting Chair, Madush Gupta, said:
“Charlotte was named CFIT’s founding chair in January 2023 and under her stewardship CFIT has made great strides towards realising the ambitions of the Kalifa Review of UK Fintech to enhance the UK’s position as a global leader in financial innovation. Charlotte has decided that now is the right moment for her to focus on other projects, and she leaves CFIT well-positioned for continued growth and success as it works to support the Government’s industrial growth agenda. We are grateful for the commitment and dedication she has shown, and wish her the best for the future.”
