Anna Wallace assumes role as CFIT's new CEO
The Centre for Finance, Innovation and Technology (CFIT) has announced the appointment of Anna Wallace as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective September 1, 2025.
Wallace brings a wealth of experience to her new role, having worked extensively in the fields of financial inclusion, innovation, and regulation. Most recently, she served as a senior program officer for consumer protection and regulatory technology (RegTech) at the Gates Foundation. Prior to this, she was the head of innovation at the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), where she oversaw the Innovation Hub, Advice Unit, and the Regulatory Sandbox - institutions that play a crucial role in promoting fintech innovation and regulatory compliance.
In addition to her regulatory and philanthropic roles, Wallace has experience as an early-stage investor in scale-up technology businesses. She has backed companies such as FNA, Proto, and Regnology, which focus on addressing customer complaints, fraud, and regulatory reporting respectively.
At CFIT, Wallace will lead initiatives in smart data, digital identity, financial inclusion, digital assets, and AI technologies. The organisation, backed by HM Treasury and the City of London Corporation, has coordinated multiple industry-wide coalitions on themes such as Smart Data and digital ID.
One of the key initiatives Wallace will be driving is the development of a Digital Company ID. Three industry-led working groups are currently building a prototype of this digital identity, identifying use cases and setting trust and governance standards. In March, CFIT published a blueprint for fighting economic crime through the introduction of Digital Company ID.
Wallace will also be leading CFIT into its next phase of growth, focusing on launching new industry-wide innovation coalitions and driving progress in the areas mentioned above. She succeeds Ezechi Britton MBE as CFIT's chief executive officer.
Madush Gupta is acting as the chair of CFIT. In June, CFIT announced a coalition including Mastercard, Lloyds Banking Group, and HSBC to develop tech solutions to close the UK's SME credit gap.
Wallace's appointment comes as CFIT continues to unite government, industry, and regulators to tackle the biggest challenges and opportunities facing the UK's financial ecosystem. Her extensive background and experience in financial inclusion, innovation, and regulation position her as a key figure driving inclusive financial technology advancements in the UK and beyond.
- Anna Wallace, the new CEO of the Centre for Finance, Innovation and Technology (CFIT), boasts a vast array of expertise in financial inclusion, innovation, and regulation.
- Having served as a senior program officer for consumer protection and RegTech at the Gates Foundation, Wallace also holds experience as an early-stage investor in technology businesses.
- At CFIT, Wallace will guide initiatives covering smart data, digital identity, financial inclusion, digital assets, and AI technologies, as the organization collaborates extensively with HM Treasury and the City of London Corporation.
- One of the key initiatives Wallace will spearhead is the development of a Digital Company ID, with three working groups currently building a prototype and setting trust and governance standards.
- CFIT's future under Wallace's leadership involves driving development in areas such as innovation, fintech, and regulation, aiming to create new industry-wide coalitions and advancements in the mentioned sectors.
- The ongoing partnership and coordination between government, industry, and regulatory bodies, as led by CFIT, is crucial in addressing the numerous challenges and opportunities faced by the UK's financial ecosystem.
