Meet The Team
Ian McKenna
CEO and Founder
Ian founded Financial Technology Research Centre in 1995 nearly two decades before “FinTech” became part of the industry lexicon.
A boutique consultancy the firm focuses on how personal finance organisations can communicate more effectively with their customers and help them take better financial decisions. As part of this work the firm work with many of the U.K.’s leading long-term savings institutions, financial advisers and technology providers to identify emerging technologies that can transform customer relationships. More recently the firm has added its own InsureTech and RegTech ventures to help advisers ensure they help consumers find the life insurance and workplace pensions solutions that best meet the needs.
In addition to developing a UK view Ian travels extensively to identify similar trends around the world and the lessons that can be learned from other countries.
Poppy Achilles
Chief Operating Officer
Poppy re-joined FTRC in October 2021 after a 10-year period during which she worked at various businesses such as L&G, Prudential, Vanguard and M&G.
She has 25 years of experience across advisory, L&P, asset and wealth management firms.
She brings a wealth of experience when it comes to business management such as delivering organisational change, people leadership, risk management and governance procedures.
Jason Green
Chief Commercial Officer
Jason previously spent six years at a High Net Worth advisory firm as a paraplanner to the CEO. Joining FTRC in 2011 as a Research Consultant, Jason has subsequently been appointed Head of Workplace Research, and leads our Workplace Pensions & Savings research and insights, focusing on Group Pensions/Master Trusts, Auto-Enrolment and Financial Wellness.
Alongside this he manages our Digital Wealth Insights analysis. www.digitalwealthsights.com is service to benchmark WealthTechs and other related FinTech companies consistently against their peers to provide effective analysis and insight.
When not in office Jason will be planning his next overseas adventure or exploring the London restaurant scene.
Martin McKenna
Senior Consultant
Martin has been in the financial services world for 30 years, working across many of the key disciplines.
With time spent as an adviser, working in the product world for a life and investment company, as Head of eCommerce in an adviser support services distribution, Lead Business Consultant in adviser software production for a bespoke financial services software firm, and as Head of Business System Design for a large national advice firm.
Martin was himself a member of FTRC’s Adviser Forum when working in distribution in the 2000’s and has a wide insight across the advice process and the business processes needed to support them.
Darren Madden
Research Consultant
Darren has been in the financial services industry since 2006. Working in various Financial Services roles from Central Operations, Wealth Management Administration, Senior Employee Benefits to Paraplanning. In this time, he has obtained his Diploma in Regulated Financial Advice, along with other additional CII accreditations to further his knowledge and career in financial services. He intends to continue his studies looking to obtain an Advanced Diploma over the next five years.
Outside of work, Darren is a self-titled tech geek, he builds his own computers, plays Virtual Reality Games. When not stuck inside technology, he loves spending time with his family and friends.
Samantha Smith
Business & Events Manager
With over 30 years in Financial Services, Sam started work for a small Devon based IFA followed by nine years working for NFIFA/IFAA, a precursor to the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment, in marketing and communication roles. She was involved many IFAA initiatives including the national promotion of Standardised Definitions for Critical Illness Insurance and the production of the “Value of…” range of booklets created by the Association to promote independent financial advice.
Sam joined FTRC in 2003 initially as Office Manager and has taken on a number of roles over the years. Her current remit sees her provide administrative support to ensure the smooth day-to-day operation of the company and also running various FTRC events including our highly successful Empowering Advice Through Technology Conference.
Outside of work Sam enjoys going to the theatre and gigs, supports Everton FC (when they’re winning) & is an ardent Formula 1 fan – even the 5am races!
Jessie Leworthy
Social Media Intern
Jessie is a student studying for her Banking and Financial planning BSc degree at the University of Northampton. She is currently an FTRC intern working on social media as well as forums. Originally from Devon, in her spare time she enjoys surfing and spending time at the beach.
