FinTech Australia reveals new CEO

FinTech Australia’s next CEO has been named, with the body appointing Andrew Porter to the position.

Mr Porter commenced his new role earlier this week (7 February). 

He replaces Rebecca Schot-Guppy, who ended her nearly three-year tenure as CEO to begin a new position at IAG-run venture capital fund Firemark Ventures in November. 

Mortgage Business understands that during this interim period, executive decisions were run through FinTech Australia chair Simone Joyce.

Prior to his appointment as CEO, Mr Porter spent more than two decades in the financial services sector as an investor and an executive.

From 2004 to 2010, Mr Porter was employed by international money transfer start-up OFX (formerly known as OzForex), his final role being senior manager – strategic partnerships, which he remained in from 2008 to 2010. 

From 2010 to 2017, he was the Australian managing director of international payments business WorldFirst. 

Following this, Mr Porter was the chief revenue officer – country manager Australia and New Zealand for the part-Dutch ING Bank-owned currency settlement network, Transfermate, from 2018 to 2020.

The new CEO is also an investor in the cryptocurrency businesses Cryptospend and Synthetix. 

As per FinTech Australia, Mr Porter’s appointment comes at a key point as it positions itself to play a leading role in dealing with the government on policy matters regarding new payments technology, cryptocurrency and blockchain.

Speaking of the appointment, Ms Joyce said: “This appointment marks the next phase in FinTech Australia’s work of stewarding the growth of the industry.

“Andrew’s long-running expertise in startups, fintech, and also cryptocurrency made him an ideal candidate to take up the reins and lead the organisation into the future.”

Mr Porter said: “It is a huge honour to lead and represent one of Australia’s key voices and influencers in the vitally important fintech industry. 

“I have been given the opportunity to give back to the industry I have loved being a part of from its earliest days, and to help foster its growth at a critically innovative juncture.”

The CEO added that, due to FinTech Australia’s membership base of more than 420 businesses, he was excited about the organisation’s capacity to serve as an “unrivalled hub for supporting mentorship across the industry”. 

“I also believe FinTech Australia can lead the way in defining fintech as a career path from high school through to tertiary education,” he added. 

“This is key to supporting a stronger and more innovative local fintech industry, which is vital for the growth of the Australian economy.”

[Related: ​​Fintech lender offers $10k scholarship]