What if financial services were built to include everyone, not just the few?

In this episode of the Sense of Identity podcast, we sit down with CEO Mark McAlpine and Head of Proposition & Innovation Kerry Nicolaides.

Together at Not The Odd One Out, Mark and Kerry are helping mutuals, credit unions, and cooperatives modernise through shared services, collaborative strategy, and inclusive innovation.

Their goal? To make financial services fairer, more accessible, and digitally capable - without losing sight of the communities they serve.

Learn more: https://www.beyondencryption.com/blog/how-credit-unions-are-going-digital

We sat down with Mike Wimbridge, Managing Director at Pantaenius UK, a leading yacht insurance broker with a history stretching back to 1899.

Mike shared how Pantaenius grew from its roots in Germany to become a major global player in yacht coverage.

We discussed the joy and challenge of insuring boats of all sizes, and why personal service is just as important today as it was decades ago.

Learn more.

In this episode of our Sense of Identity podcast, we sit down with Chris Schutrups, founder of The Mortgage Hut, to discuss his dynamic entrepreneurial journey in the mortgage and finance industry. With an extensive background in both finance and hospitality, Chris shares valuable insights on customer-centric business strategies and the importance of leveraging technology for growth.

Chris brings a wealth of experience, having led The Mortgage Hut to become one of the UK's leading mortgage advice brands.

His journey also includes significant roles in the UAE's mortgage market and ventures in the hospitality industry.

Key Takeaways:

• Customer-Centric Approach: Chris emphasises the importance of putting customers at the heart of every business decision, ensuring a personalised and valuable experience.
• Leveraging Technology: From integrated booking systems in hospitality to innovative marketing strategies in finance, hear about technology's crucial role in enhancing customer engagement and operational efficiency.
• Regulated Industries: Chris discusses the benefits of operating in regulated industries, highlighting the higher barriers to entry and the potential for better margins and business stability.

Learn more: https://www.beyondencryption.com/blog/customer-focus-and-tech-chris-schutrups

In this episode of our Sense of Identity podcast, we sit down with Sam Howell, Senior Associate at Burges Salmon, to discuss the increasingly vital role of cybersecurity in the pensions sector. With a significant rise in cyber threats targeting pension schemes, it's crucial to understand how to safeguard member data and comply with regulatory guidance.

Sam brings her extensive expertise in pensions industry cybersecurity to shed light on the evolving landscape of risk and regulation, and shares practical advice for trustees and administrators.

Key Takeaways:

- Regulatory Changes: Recent updates from the Pensions Regulator emphasise a shift from best practices to mandatory compliance for cybersecurity measures in pension schemes.

- Essential Steps for Cyber Resilience: Implementing a cybersecurity policy, an incident response plan, and regular training are crucial for pension schemes to mitigate cyber risks.

- Proportionality in Cybersecurity: Smaller pension schemes can achieve substantial cyber resilience with sensible and proportionate measures, tailored to their specific needs and resources.

Learn more: https://www.beyondencryption.com/blog/cybersecurity-pensions-breaking-down-regulatory-guidance

In this instalment of the Sense Of Identity podcast, we delve into the transformative impact of digital engagement in the financial services industry with Ian Beestin and John Glover, co-founders of the award-winning video engagement platform, Money Alive.

Ian Beestin, co-founder of Money Alive, brings a wealth of experience from his previous roles as Marketing Director at Tilney and founder of the ISA Shop Ltd. He is also a member of the secretariat to the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Pension Scams, a keen musician, and a specialist contributor to the Oxford English Dictionary.

John Glover, co-founder and Strategic Accounts Director of Money Alive, has an extensive background in financial services, having co-founded Asset.tv Ltd and held significant roles such as Framlington's UK Sales Director and Sales Director for F&C. His expertise spans fund management, sales, and RegTech innovations.

Key Takeaways:

• Understand the importance of modernising communication methods in the financial services industry to improve engagement and trust.
• Learn about the innovative use of personalised video content to enhance client understanding and decision-making.
• Explore the challenges and opportunities of implementing new technologies in a traditionally risk-averse sector.

Learn more: https://www.beyondencryption.com/blog/innovating-financial-engagement-ian-john-money-alive

On the latest episode of our Sense of Identity podcast, we delve into the dynamic world of IT distribution and innovation with Alex Tatham, Executive Director at Westcoast. The largest privately owned IT business in the UK, known for its significant role in supplying the thousands of devices required for remote working during the pandemic, Westcoast plays a crucial part in the UK's business economy and infrastructure. Key Takeaways: - Discover the pivotal role of IT distributors in managing extensive supply chains and responding to market demands, as evidenced by Westcoast's response during the COVID-19 pandemic. - Explore the impact of artificial intelligence in IT distribution, as Westcoast integrates AI technologies to enhance data management and customer solutions across diverse markets. - Learn about the strategic expansion of IT services, encompassing cloud solutions and complex IT infrastructure, catering to a diverse client base across Europe.

Learn more: https://www.beyondencryption.com/blog/alex-tatham-westcoast-podcast #itdistribution #westcoast #technology

In episode 14 of the Sense of Identity podcast, we explore the evolution of fintech and the data standards maintaining continuity through change, with Billy Burnside, MD of Criterion Tec. With over 30 years of experience in the financial services industry, Billy has held various marketing, e-commerce, and digital transformation roles at prestigious firms including Friends Provident, National Mutual, Standard Life, and Aviva UK. As Managing Director at Criterion since 2019, he has been instrumental in enhancing the development and governance of industry standards. His career has consistently emphasised the importance of standards in the financial sector, promoting their benefits to all industry participants. Key Takeaways: - Understand the critical role of standardisation in the ever-evolving world of financial services technology. - Gain insights into the challenges and innovations surrounding integrations such as APIs and how they are shaping the future. - Learn about the importance of data standards and how they facilitate efficient and secure industry collaboration. Learn more: https://www.beyondencryption.com/blog/fintech-creating-data-continuity-billy-burnside

Welcome to the latest episode of the Sense of Identity podcast. In this instalment (episode 13), we dive into the intricacies of financial advice and regulation, as well as the evolving landscape of cybersecurity insurance with Chris Davies, Executive Director of Howden.

With a career spanning several decades in the financial services industry, Chris brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, particularly in the areas of business growth and regulation. Join us as we uncover the strategies that businesses can employ to ensure they remain resilient against risks while capitalising on opportunities for growth.

Key Takeaways:

• Learn about the challenges and opportunities presented by the rapid evolution of technology in the financial services sector.
• Discover the significance of cybersecurity, including the concept of 'silent cyber' and its implications for professional indemnity cover.
• Recognise the necessity of adapting business practices to meet the changing regulatory landscape and customer expectations.

Read the transcript on our website.