Meet our trailblazing team.
We are a group of dedicated professionals passionate about driving innovation and success for businesses in fintech and blockchain.
From strategic compliance guidance and tailored regulatory frameworks to cutting-edge digital marketing solutions and robust governance practices, our expertise spans the crucial areas that help businesses thrive. With a shared commitment to excellence, trust, and growth, we collaborate to empower start-ups and established firms alike to achieve their goals and stand out in competitive markets.
Our Team.
Claire Conby
Founder
Business-minded and strategically driven compliance professional with a passion for supporting innovation, particularly guiding fintech start-ups on their regulatory journey. Specialising in digital money and digital assets, with expertise in navigating complex frameworks in these evolving spaces. Skilled at providing tailored advice to ensure the best possible start, emphasising the importance of doing the right thing and building credibility from the outset. A forward-thinking approach helps businesses thrive while maintaining trust and regulatory excellence.
John Drabble
Regulatory Consultant and Licence Specialist
John offers extensive experience in navigating complex license applications and fostering strong, collaborative relationships with regulators. Skilled at understanding business needs and crafting tailored, robust yet pragmatic compliance frameworks that support growth and sustainability. Expertise includes drafting clear and effective policies and procedures, alongside delivering engaging and impactful compliance training. Known for a practical approach, attention to detail, and the ability to bridge the gap between regulatory requirements and commercial objectives seamlessly.
Nic Martin
FinTech Innovation Strategic Advisor
Seasoned C-suite executive with extensive experience in international banking and fintech startups, excelling in regulatory applications and governance, risk, and compliance frameworks. Proven board-level expertise as a director in UK financial startups and a non-executive director (NED) across diverse industries. Skilled in strategic planning, fintech innovation, digital assets, banking, and payments. Adept at program and project management, with deep knowledge of UK and EU financial regulations. A dynamic leader driving impactful change and sustainable growth.
Sara Brotons
Compliance Framework Design Specialist
Exceptional attention to detail ensures robust quality assurance, thorough risk management, and comprehensive compliance frameworks with effective controls. Skilled in analysing business needs and identifying pragmatic solutions for improvement, consistently delivering results. Ability to think outside the box enables innovative approaches to challenges, fostering growth and resilience. With a focus on excellence and precision, drives processes that enhance efficiency, mitigate risks, and support long-term success for the business.
Phil Kenworthy
Payments Innovation Advisor
With over 40 years in the payments industry, brings unparalleled expertise in understanding the evolving payments landscape and its intricate workings with a deep understanding of UK infrastructures like CHAPS (ex-CEO), Faster Payments, BACS, SEPA and Open Banking protocols. A trusted advisor to FinTechs, guides businesses on regulatory compliance, integrations, and scalability. Particularly strong on governance and an experienced iNED. Blends strategic vision with operational insights, transforms ideas into impactful, future-ready payment solutions.
Michelle Brook
Governance Specialist
Exceptionally well-organised Company Secretary with a deep understanding of the unique challenges and demands of start-ups. Experienced in establishing strong governance frameworks and ensuring seamless organisation from day one, enabling businesses to scale effectively. Skilled in managing board processes and implementing good governance and organisation. Known for a proactive, detail-oriented approach and the ability to instill best practices that drive transparency, accountability, and sustainable growth in fast-paced environments.
Jonathan Marriott
Marketing Specialist
A seasoned marketer with over two decades of experience, Jonathan is a one-stop solution for multi-channel digital marketing. Renowned for his adaptability and results-driven approach, Jonathan has become a trusted partner for fintech and blockchain companies seeking to stand out in competitive markets. His unwavering commitment to delivering value and excellence, coupled with a vast and versatile skill set, positions him as an indispensable asset to businesses striving to succeed and grow.
Beyond our core team, we are proud to be part of a dynamic ecosystem of professionals and organisations, offering an even broader network of skills and opportunities.
This collaborative network ensures that our clients benefit from a holistic approach, accessing the right support at every stage of their journey. Together, we create opportunities that drive innovation, accelerate growth, and deliver lasting impact in today’s rapidly evolving markets.
Our Ecosystem.
Chris Ball
Amplify Finance
Providing top-tier CFO leadership and finance advisory services for startups and SMEs, they offer a range of solutions tailored to diverse business needs. These include a dedicated Fractional CFO service, providing premium leadership for growing businesses with complex financial requirements; a flexible CFO as a Service package, designed for startups seeking tailored finance support with maximum value; and short-term project engagements, offering expertise for specific needs such as M&A, fundraising, or financial planning. Their strategic, scalable solutions adapt to the evolving demands of businesses, ensuring financial growth and stability.
Laura Knight
Knightbridge Tax
Knightbridge Tax specialize in navigating the complex and dynamic cryptoasset tax landscape. With over 15 years of international private client tax experience, they offer tailored solutions for individuals, trustees, supporting founders and employee, contractor and retail aspects for businesses. Since 2021, they’ve developed deep expertise in cryptoasset taxation, including NFTs, DeFi, and mining. As active members of the CryptoUK Tax Working Group and the HMRC Digital Asset roundtable, they stay ahead of regulatory changes to help clients stay compliant, optimize tax efficiency, and achieve financial clarity.
Want to learn more about our services?
At Finnovation.UK, our team leverages extensive knowledge, expertise, and a robust network to help your business embrace emerging FinTech innovations.
We provide a range of services for new and existing Fintechs, helping them to embrace the opportunities that will arise from new forms of digital money, whilst ensuring operational readiness within a robust risk management framework.
Let us guide you in navigating the FinTech landscape, boosting your business to new heights with a model that's both compliant and forward-thinking.
Partner with Finnovation.UK to stay ahead in the ever-evolving financial technology sector.