FCA Announces New Leadership Appointments to Advisory and Practitioner Panels

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has announced a series of leadership appointments to its advisory and practitioner panels, reinforcing its commitment to engaging with financial services professionals and strengthening the development of UK financial market policy.

Kirsty Cooper has been appointed as the new Chair of the Listing Authority Advisory Panel (LAAP), while Clare Woodman and Matt Hammerstein have been reappointed to continue leading two of the FCA’s key practitioner panels.

Supporting Better Financial Regulation

The FCA’s advisory and practitioner panels play a vital role in shaping financial regulation by providing expert insight from across the financial services industry. Their members represent a broad range of market participants, including large institutions, smaller regulated firms, and industry specialists.

The panels help ensure that new policies are practical, balanced, and aligned with the needs of both businesses and consumers.

Kirsty Cooper Appointed Chair of the Listing Authority Advisory Panel

Kirsty Cooper, who serves as a Non-Executive Director at Scottish Widows Group and Aon UK, will assume the role of Chair of the Listing Authority Advisory Panel from 1 July.

The panel advises the FCA on matters affecting UK primary capital markets, including listing rules, corporate governance, market developments, and emerging regulatory priorities.

Cooper expressed her enthusiasm for the role, highlighting the panel’s importance in providing the FCA with valuable industry perspectives while supporting the continued development of UK capital markets.

Clare Woodman Continues as Chair of the Markets Practitioner Panel

Clare Woodman, CEO of Morgan Stanley & Co International, has been reappointed as Chair of the FCA Markets Practitioner Panel, with her new term beginning on 1 August.

Woodman emphasized the importance of maintaining strong collaboration between the financial industry and regulators, particularly as financial markets continue to evolve rapidly. She also highlighted the UK’s position as a leading global financial centre and the importance of ensuring efficient capital allocation while maintaining high regulatory standards.

Matt Hammerstein Reappointed to Lead Practitioner Panel

Matt Hammerstein, CEO of Barclays UK Corporate Bank, will also continue as Chair of the FCA Practitioner Panel from 1 August.

The Practitioner Panel provides the FCA with valuable feedback on how regulatory policies affect firms in practice, helping the regulator understand the real-world implications of its decisions.

Hammerstein noted that the panel’s role has become increasingly important as the FCA places greater emphasis on supporting UK competitiveness, economic growth, and effective financial regulation.

FCA Welcomes New and Returning Leaders

FCA Chair Ashley Alder welcomed the appointments, stating that the combined experience of Kirsty Cooper, Clare Woodman, and Matt Hammerstein will help strengthen collaboration between the regulator and the financial services industry during a period of significant market change.

He also thanked outgoing LAAP Chair Mandy Gradden for her contribution to the FCA’s programme of market innovation and regulatory reform.

Why These Appointments Matter

The FCA relies on its advisory and practitioner panels to gather expert insight from across the financial sector, ensuring that future regulation reflects the realities faced by firms operating in today’s markets.

With increasing focus on innovation, capital markets, consumer protection, and the UK’s international competitiveness, these appointments will help support informed policymaking and strengthen dialogue between regulators and the financial services industry.

Looking Ahead

As financial markets continue to evolve, effective collaboration between regulators and industry leaders remains essential. The appointments of Kirsty Cooper, Clare Woodman, and Matt Hammerstein reinforce the FCA’s commitment to developing balanced regulation that promotes market integrity, supports innovation, and enhances the UK’s position as a global financial centre.