FinTech Scotland announced on Thursday that Nicola Anderson is to step down as CEO at the end of 2025 to take up a “new senior director position” with Scottish Enterprise.
Fintech founder Aleks Tomczyk will be the new CEO of FinTech Scotland and will join with immediate effect as designate CEO to work with Anderson over the remainder of 2025.
Tomczyk is a non-executive director of Estatesearch Group and has been a part-time board member of FinTech Scotland for about four years.
Previously he was a founder and MD of Exizent, a
“After five years as Chief Executive, Nicola is stepping down having made a significant impact on the growth and success of FinTech Scotland,” said FinTech Scotland.
“During her tenure, she has been instrumental in leading the development of the fintech cluster, delivering substantial progress through ground-breaking research, innovation, and collaboration.
“Under Nicola’s leadership, FinTech Scotland has launched and led a series of nationally and internationally recognised initiatives, including the Financial Regulation Innovation Lab and the UK’s first FinTech Research and Innovation Strategic Roadmap.
“These initiatives have served to strengthen the fintech opportunity in Scotland and continue to enhance its position as a leader in financial innovation.
“Aleks Tomczyk takes the helm at FinTech Scotland to build on the excellent foundations now in place including a broad range of over thirty industrial and academic strategic partners, and a highly engaged fintech community of 250 plus strong entrepreneurial SMEs.”
Fintech Scotland chairman Stephen Ingledew said: “My deep heartfelt thanks to Nicola for her inspiring leadership as that has resulted in FinTech Scotland being recognised nationally and internationally as a leading cluster management organisation.
“It has been a privilege to see Nicola’s visionary leadership achieve so much and Nicola will be a huge success in her new exciting role with Scottish Enterprise making a broader contribution to economic development.
“As FinTech Scotland prepares for the next stage of its journey in driving economic growth through financial innovation, I am absolutely delighted that we have secured Aleks as our new Chief Executive. Aleks’ appointment comes after a detailed search process focused on what is needed for the next stage of our journey.”
Anderson said: “It’s been a privilege to lead Fintech Scotland for the past five years and to work with so many committed and collaborative partners. We can all be proud of the fintech cluster we have collectively built and the positive impact of businesses and people in shaping the economy.
“I know Aleks will be a huge success in this role and look forward to continuing to work with him.
“Looking to the future I am excited by my new role which will focus on extending my experience and impact through fintech further, helping businesses across all sectors to succeed, thrive and grow.”
Tomczyk said: “I am delighted to be taking on the CEO role and building on the great work of Nicola and the team.
“I am energised by the opportunity to deliver yet further for all our stakeholders. With a great academic base, an important financial services sector and ambitious growing fintechs there is much to build on and more potential that through continued collaboration can result in a positive impact on the economy.”
Catherine Martin said on behalf of University of Edinburgh: “As a founding strategic partner, we have been delighted to be involved in the work and achievements of FinTech Scotland, and the growth in fintech over the past five years working with Nicola. We look forward to working with Aleks over the coming years.”
Jane Martin said on behalf of Scottish Enterprise: “Nicola will bring fantastic experience of building partnerships in a key industry across industry, academia and the public sector to her new role at Scottish Enterprise to support scaling companies across further high growth sectors in Scotland.
“I look forward to working closely with her throughout her transition to lead our brilliant scaling team and with Aleks Tomczyk the incoming Chief Executive of FinTech Scotland as we continue to work together to benefit our economy.”
Jackie Leiper said on behalf of LBG and all Strategic Partners: “Having been a Board Member of FinTech Scotland over the past few years and sponsoring LBG’s partnership with FinTech Scotland, I would like to thank Nicola for her efforts and achievements on behalf of all Strategic Partners.
“I have also got to know Aleks through his simultaneous presence on the FinTech Scotland Board. His experience as a fintech founder, committed cluster participant and business leader will help take FinTech Scotland forward to the benefit of all strategic partners.”