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.
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.
Jack Easter
Research Analyst
Jack joined us from the Blue14 group of companies, where he worked with prosperous start-ups to build their operations from the ground up. During his time there, Jack looked after various key accounts, including taking the lead on management of the fintech portfolio, and managed growth campaigns for multiple UK and US financial apps.
Jack maintains the Digital Wealth Insights report and help continue its growth.
Outside the office, Jack enjoys refining his cooking skills and keeping up with his calisthenics. Jack is also a long-distance cyclist, and recently completed a cross-county Brighton to Liverpool bike ride.
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.