Fairer Finance welcomes new consumer advisory board chair

Fairer Finance has appointed Chris Pond as the latest chair of its consumer advisory board, succeeding Sue Lewis.

Pond brings a wealth of expertise to the independent consumer group and is currently serving as chair of the Financial Inclusion Commission and Trustmark.

He was formerly chair of the Lending Standards Board, The Money Charity and the Equity Release Council Standards Board.

Pond was also a member of the senior leadership team of the Financial Services Authority for four years. During this time, he served as director of financial capability, senior adviser and head of consumer affairs.

In these roles, he led the development of the Financial Capability Division and oversaw the establishment of the independent Money Advice Service.

James Daley, managing director of Fairer Finance, said: “We are delighted to welcome Pond as chair of our consumer advisory board.

“Pond has a wealth of relevant experience – both as a regulator and consumer advocate – which make him a perfect candidate for this role. We’re incredibly lucky to have him on board.”

Pond added: “As Fairer Finance celebrates its 10-year milestone, I look forward to working with the team to continue to advocate for transparency, higher standards and a more inclusive financial services market for all consumers.”

The board

Sue Lewis, who has served as chair for the past two years, will continue on the board until her term concludes in 2025.

Sue Lewis initially joined the board in November 2022. Beyond this role, she has served as a lay member on the Regulatory Board of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries since November 2020.

She has also been an independent board member and consultant since April 2011.

In addition, Lewis has been a board trustee for The Fairbanking Foundation since November 2018 and for Surviving Economic Abuse (SEA) since October 2018.

Laurie Edmans, founder of the Group for Autism, Insurance, Investment and Neurodiversity (GAIN), is also stepping down Fairer Finance’s board after six years of service as commissioner, having joined in July 2014.

Remaining on the board are Walter Merricks, Caroline Barr and Helene Brichet.

Daley added: “I’d like to thank Laurie Edmans who is standing down after six years on our advisory board. She’s been a valued supporter and colleague and we’ll miss him enormously.”