The FINTECH Circle Board Programme

A curated programme for senior executives transitioning into board, advisor, and non-executive roles in fintech and financial services.

Curriculum

Module 1: Board Fundamentals

Patrick Dunne OBE — Experienced Chair, FT Boards Director Programme, Author of “Boards”

• Board overview
• Directors’ duties in regulated sectors
• Role of Board vs Executive
• Sub-committees (Audit, Risk, Remuneration, Nomination)
• Advisory groups
• Key roles: Chair, SID, NED, CEO, CFO
• Governance frameworks & best practices

Module 2: Portfolio Career Strategy

Ralph Grayson — Founder Partner, Sainty, Hird & Partners

  • Advisory vs NED vs Fractional roles
  • Working with founders vs CEOs
  • Listed board dynamics
  • Career progression: Advisor → NED → Chair
  • Coaching importance
  • Income mix & portfolio structuring

Module 3: Fintech Advisory & NED Landscape

Susanne Chishti — Chair, FINTECH Circle

  • Fintech market dynamics
  • Positioning & credibility
  • Commercial structuring (fees, equity)
  • Case studies

Module 4: Fundraising Journey

Ian Merricks — VenturePath

  • Capital raising stages
  • Founder pressures
  • Round execution strategies
  • Board advisor role in fundraising

Module 5: Regulatory Accountability

Hyder Jumabhoy – Partner, White & Case LLP

  • FCA & PRA governance expectations

  • Senior Managers & Certification Regime (SMCR)

  • Fiduciary, reputational, and personal risk exposure

  • Importance of D&O insurance

Module 6: AI for Board Members

Simon Poole — NED & AI Advisor

  • AI strategy and data foundations

  • Opportunities and risks of agentic AI

  • The board’s role in AI-driven transformation

  • AI regulation in financial services

Chair & NED Interviews

Insights from experienced board members on building a successful portfolio career.

• Charles McManus — ClearBank
• Ann Cairns
• Helena Coles — J.P. Morgan
• Jim Coyle — HSBC

Headhunter Sessions

Understand how board roles are sourced and how to position yourself effectively with leading search firms.

• Deborah Cooper — Miles Advisory

• Kate Grussing CBE — Sapphire Partners

• Lisa Mazza — Teneo

• Paul Reynolds & Tanya Gass — Norman Broadbent

• Suki Sandhu OBE — Audeliss

• Julia Fearn & Khurram Hussain — Warren Partners

• Emily Blott — Russell Reynolds Associates

Join the FINTECH Circle Board Programme NOW!