Lauren Cassells is leading research & innovation programmes at FinTech Scotland, where she leads initiatives aimed at advancing beneficial and responsible adoption of emerging technology and innovations through research and collaboration with industry stakeholders.
Additionally, she is the Design Lead for the Innovation Lab at the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), focusing on designing and delivering the Digital Sandbox and TechSprint programs — regulatory product development hackathons that tackle challenges within the financial services sector leveraging innovative technologies such as tokenisation, quantum computing and artificial intelligence. As co-chair of the Women in Banking and Finance UK Shadow Board, she champions women’s voices in finance while also participating in the City of London Women Pivoting to Digital Taskforce and mentoring for Women’s World Banking’s Inclusive Tech programme, showcasing her dedication to empowering those around her and advancing gender diversity in the sector. With a strong background in fintech, Lauren’s expertise lies in bridging the gap between regulation, innovation and driving impactful adoption, ensuring that new solutions meet both market needs and regulatory standards. Her dual roles, along with her commitment to supporting women’s representation in finance, highlight her dedication to fostering a culture of innovation while promoting sustainable growth in the payments industry and beyond.