Smart Data Group bolsters leadership with appointment to advisory board

UK-based Smart Data Group (SDG) has appointed Justin Fitzpatrick to its advisory board as it strengthens its leadership team.

It follows the appointment, in December, of Dr Ruth Wandhöfer as independent mobilisation lead.

SDG is an independent industry body which has been established to design and coordinate delivery frameworks for Smart Data across regulated sectors in the UK.

Last year, it incorporated Smart Data Services (SDS), a not-for-profit company, to operate as the potential Future Entity (FE) under the Financial Conduct Authority’s Long-Term Regulatory Framework for Open Banking.

Fitzpatrick, who has worked closely with banks, fintechs, and technology providers across the ecosystem, will support SDG’s industry engagement, helping ensure the Future Entity “reflects market realities and is designed to work in practice”.

According to his LinkedIn profile, Fitzpatrick was the co-founder and chief executive officer of DueDil, a company intelligence platform, which later became FullCircl.

Prior to that, he worked at Innovate Finance as non-executive director and co-founder, where he oversaw the audit committee and worked on leadership transitions as the organisation grew.

Paul Scully, chair of the SDG advisory board and former Minister for Smart Data, said: “Justin brings exactly the kind of real-world experience needed at this stage, combining industry engagement with proven delivery and execution.

“His expertise significantly strengthens Smart Data Group as we work with industry, regulators, and government to build a Future Entity that is credible, independent, and built for the future.”

Fitzpatrick added: “We’re at a critical moment for Open Banking and Smart Data in the UK. I’m pleased to join the advisory board and support SDG’s work to bring industry together around a practical, industry-led model that can deliver real value.”

SDG is expected to make further team announcements in the coming weeks.