The Financial Conduct Authority has announced that from today Chris Pond will serve as the chair of the Financial Services Consumer Panel. He was previously an MP (1997-2005) during which time he was and Work and Pensions Minister.

Ashley Alder, chair of the FCA, said: “The Financial Services Consumer Panel plays a vital role in bringing the consumer viewpoint into our decisions, particularly as we advance our new 5-year strategy to build trust, drive innovation, and support consumers in managing their financial lives.

“I would like to thank Helen Charlton for her fantastic leadership of the panel since 2022 and extend a warm welcome to Chis Pond as her successor.”

Pond added: “I’m excited to join the panel at a pivotal time, helping balance consumer protection with the responsible risk-taking needed for economic growth and improved living standards. I look forward to ensuring that consumer voices remain central to building trust in our financial systems.”