CEO of Simplybiz Appointed

Fintel plc

27th March 2025

("Fintel", the "Company", the "Business" or the "Group")

Tom Hegarty Appointed CEO of Simplybiz

Fintel (AIM: FNTL), a leading provider of fintech and support services to the UK retail financial services sector, is pleased to announce the appointment of Tom Hegarty as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Simplybiz, effective from 1st April 2025.

Prior to joining Simplybiz, Mr Hegarty served as Managing Director of M&G Wealth Advice, where he played a pivotal role in the creation and development of The Advice Partnership. He established the M&G Wealth Advice Academy in 2021, demonstrating his commitment to nurturing new talent within the sector and increasing accessibility of advice for consumers.

Mr Hegarty's career also includes his role as Managing Director of the New Model Business Academy, a not-for-profit subsidiary of Fintel (previously the SimplyBiz Group), where he developed one the of the first apprenticeship programmes in financial advice. Tom therefore returns to Fintel with a strong level of familiarity and understanding of the wider business.

In addition to his professional roles, Mr Hegarty has been actively involved in various sector initiatives. He currently chairs the New Talent Alliance, an organisation dedicated to attracting and developing new talent within the financial advice profession, and he also chairs the Trailblazer Group within the financial advice sector for apprenticeships.

Fintel's CEO, Matt Timmins, said:

"Tom's extensive experience and proven track record make him the ideal person to lead Simplybiz. I believe that Tom will work with the team to build enhancements to our compliance and regulatory services whilst focusing the business on the technology opportunities of the future. Across Fintel, we have invested in a wealth of solutions which make us the number one provider of technology to the UK intermediary market, and I'm confident Tom's work with the team across the group will significantly enhance their delivery.

"Having worked with Tom for a number of years, I know he has the vision and delivery mindset to build an even greater business than the one we have today.

"Simplybiz remains committed to supporting financial advisers and intermediaries by providing comprehensive compliance, business, and technology services. With Tom at the helm, the company is poised to further strengthen its position as a trusted partner in the financial services sector."

Commenting on his appointment, Mr Hegarty added: "I am honoured to lead Simplybiz and look forward to working with the talented team to continue delivering exceptional support and services to our member firms, helping them thrive in an ever-evolving financial landscape."

-ENDS -

Notes to Editors

Fintel is a UK fintech and support services business, combining award-winning intermediary business support services, and leading research, ratings and fintech businesses.

Fintel provides technology, compliance and regulatory support to thousands of intermediary firms, data and targeted distribution services to hundreds of product providers and empowers millions of consumers to make better informed financial decisions. We serve our customers through three core divisions:

The Intermediary Services division provides technology, compliance, and regulatory support to thousands of intermediary businesses through a comprehensive membership model. Members include directly authorised IFAs, Wealth Managers and Mortgage Brokers.

The Distribution Channels division delivers market Insight and analysis and targeted distribution strategies to financial institutions and product providers. Clients include major Life and Pension companies, Investment Houses, Banks, and Building Societies.

The Fintech and Research division (Defaqto) provides market leading software, financial information and product research to product providers and intermediaries. Defaqto also provides product ratings (Star Ratings) on thousands of financial products. Financial products are expertly reviewed by the Defaqto research team and are compared and rated based on their underlying features and benefits. Defaqto ratings help consumers compare and buy financial products with confidence.

For more information about Fintel, please visit the website: https://www.wearefintel.com.