A proud Generalist who loves working with Tribes to solve Wicked Problems.
At the heart of my professional journey is a deep-seated love for the vibrant world of startups. I thrive on collaborating with like-minded innovators and dreamers, driving forward the mission to create tangible, lasting value in the tech sector. It's more than just business; it's about embarking on a journey together, where each challenge is a new opportunity to learn, grow, and make a meaningful impact.
My ‘Why’:
Inspired by Simon Sinek's profound exploration of the 'Golden Circle' and the power of understanding 'Why,' my journey is fueled by a relentless pursuit to uncover the underlying motivations that drive innovation and inclusivity in the fintech and open banking sectors, aiming to harness the transformative potential of technology to create a more equitable financial ecosystem."
+Proud
‘Generalist’
A "generalist" is someone who possesses a broad range of knowledge and skills across various domains rather than specializing deeply in a single area. This wide-reaching expertise enables generalists to view challenges and opportunities from a holistic perspective, embracing the positivity of looking at things differently. They excel in lateral thinking, a problem-solving approach that encourages creative solutions by drawing connections between seemingly unrelated ideas or fields. Generalists are adept at synthesising information and insights from diverse sources, allowing them to "connect the dots" in innovative ways that often elude specialists. Their versatility and adaptive thinking make them invaluable in rapidly changing environments, where their ability to integrate and apply knowledge across disciplines can drive breakthroughs, foster collaboration, and lead to more resilient and flexible strategies.
+Working in
‘Tribes’
A "tribe" refers to a group of individuals united by shared interests, values, or goals, often transcending traditional geographical and organizational boundaries. This concept emphasises a sense of belonging and mutual support, where members contribute diverse skills and perspectives towards a common purpose. In today’s digital and increasingly interconnected world, tribes serve as dynamic ecosystems for innovation, learning, and advocacy, enabling like-minded people to collaborate effectively, amplify their impact, and navigate complex challenges together. Whether in professional settings, such as fintech or tech startups, or in social and cultural movements, tribes embody the principle that collective action and shared vision can drive meaningful change and foster community and identity among its members.
+Solving
‘Wicked Problems’
A "wicked problem" embodies a category of complex, multifaceted, and resistant to simple solutions, characterised by their intricate interdependencies, evolving nature, and the involvement of diverse and often conflicting stakeholder perspectives. Different from conventional problems with clear parameters and solvable answers, wicked problems lack definitive formulations and universally acceptable solutions, requiring iterative, innovative, and collaborative approaches for their management. These challenges are exemplified in environmental sustainability, public health, social policy, and complex financial systems such as fintech and open banking, where the dynamic interplay of technological, regulatory, and societal factors demands continuous adaptation and nuanced understanding.
A bit more about me.
I'm a self-diagnosed startup junkie and tech enthusiast with a deep passion for solving wicked problems and a desire to work with great people.
Over the last 15 years, I've been at the forefront of Open Banking both as a fintech founder and through my involvement with several organisations, leveraging the identity and data consumers have with their bank account to create trust online, developing inclusive financial solutions such as the world's first global inclusive credit score.
I thrive on challenging assumptions and solving wicked problems. Beyond fintech, I love exploring the fusion of finance and gastronomy. A relentless drive for innovation fuels my journey, and I'm always eager to share insights and inspire others in the ever-evolving tech landscape.
Today, my focus has shifted towards conquering new challenges in the climate tech and hydrogen space. I am committed to supporting emerging companies, aiding in their international expansion, and fostering global collaborations. Working alongside like-minded individuals, I am focused on unlocking new opportunities and driving transformative growth. This journey is about technological advancement, building meaningful connections and contributing to a community that thrives on innovation and collective success.
What am I working on?
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First Carbon Investments
First Carbon Investments uniquely accelerates clean-tech projects by providing streaming financing for new categories of carbon credits. Adapted from long standing purchase-and-resale models developed for mineral production, our specialist contract models support buyers' early purchases of green fuels, which can otherwise cost around 170% of the fossil fuels they replace.
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Wildfire Gin
Wildfire is a small-batch, artisan gin subscription service from the Scottish Borders that delivers a unique seasonal experience right to your door every few months.
It challenges the existing models in a lean approach that is all about embracing the spirit of adventure.
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H2C
H2C provides a book-and-claim registry for certifying and trading green premium certificates that document premium environmental attributes of production. Those certificates can be retired upon making a claim or interfacing with market mechanisms.
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GoLLM
GoLLM specialise sin developing custom Large Language Models (LLMs) tailored to the unique needs of local government councils. Our AI-driven solutions are designed to revolutionize public service delivery, streamline operations, and empower policymakers with advanced analytical tools. An overview our solutions follow below.
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The SOCIAL Club
In the heart of Scotland's vibrant food scene, the Society of Culinary Invention and Liquor Club stands as a beacon for those who cherish the joy of food. We are more than just a pop-up dining experience; we are a community, a tribe of epicurean explorers united by our passion for exquisite flavours and unforgettable experiences.
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X3 Global Summit
X3 is about creating value for growth investors and global scaling companies through a fresh approach to content delivered by fantastic speakers and networking with 1:1 meetings while experiencing the best of Scottish culture, hospitality and ecosystem.
Helping where I can add value.
I passionately champion the cause of fostering long-term, inclusive growth over immediate gains. Guided by an infinite mindset, I believe in building inclusive and diverse ecosystems that benefit all. The reward in giving back helps fuel a relentless pursuit to inspire change and make a meaningful impact.
Ministerial Trade Board Member
The Scottish Government
Financial Services & Fintech Industry Advisory Board Member
University of Edinburgh
Export Champion
Department of Business and Trade
Advisor for Tech Passport
Estonian e-Resident Envoy
A few personal highlights:
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I was humbled to be invited to join an amazing discussion on a main stage at Hong Kong FinTech Week.
Hong Kong FinTech Week | 2023
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I was deeply honoured to receive not just one, but two awards at the Scottish Fintech Awards—'Fintech Evangelist' and 'Special Recognition'.
2023
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Joined an amazing discussion on a favourite topic – “the Role of AI and ML in Fintech”.
Cyprus | 2023
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I’ve never been asked to dance on stage but I had no choice. Latitude59 is one of the best events in the world, an event that continues to inspire me.
Tallinn | 2023
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Proudly accepted a role as a Estonian eResidency Envoy and proud to carry the flag for a great programme supported by an amazing country.
eResident Envoy | 2022
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I believe in thinking globally first, especially in Scotland, so I was excited to join the Fintech Export Champions in the efforts by DBT to step up the industry.
2022
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Development and launch of the world's first global inclusive credit score utilizing open banking data, a milestone in financial inclusivity.
DirectID | 2010 to 2023
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Created the first cashflow management app that leveraged sports psychology to help people reduce their financial distress with Open Banking data.
Nomo | 2018
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Co-founded Open Banking Excellence, an industry group for sharing and collaborating that has now grown wings and established a global presence.
UK | 2017
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My first visit to No.11 to celebrate and discuss the emergence of FinTech in the UK as one of the founding partners of Innovate Finance
London | 2016
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A visit to the United Nations in New York to talk about self-sovereign identity and the positive impact on the world.
New York | 2016
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Created the first Open Banking app in the UK in partnership with Virgin Money/Clydesdale Bank
DirectID | 1998
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Chaired the data subgroup for the Open Banking Working Group to establish the UK’s leading position in PSD2 and Open Banking services.
UK | 2015
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Produced a video for the saying ‘On the internet, nobody knows you’re a dog’ which ended up being used across the globe from Universities to Global Conferences.
Youtube | 2015
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Created on of the first Identity Passports for the UK, leveraging the identity and data we have with our bank accounts with a global opportunity to take control of our data
miiCard | 2011
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My first Patent: method of establishing true online identity based on an individual's ability to access their online financial accounts.
miiCard | 2013
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Built the UK’s first Personal Finance Management (PFM) tool supported by a hybrid public, private cloud infrastructure to fully utilise infrastructure resources.
Money Dashboard | 2008 to 2011
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Successfully implemented a company ‘mantra’ to help create a more balanced and collective approach based around ‘100% happy’ as part of a restructure – it was amazing to see the impact.
lightershade | 2008
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Designed and developed a component-based living room computer, the first to use Microsoft Media Centre Edition and established global distribution.
beblu | 2008
