James is Director for Payment Services and Digital Assets at Complyport, supporting clients across the wide range of payment services for over seven years.

Before becoming a consultant, James spent 23 years as a regulator at the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). During his time with the FCA, James held a number of significant roles including: Head of Passporting; Authorisations Manager; and PSD2 Accountable Executive, where he was responsible for the project to implement PSD2 into UK regulation. James was also a member of the European Banking Authority (EBA) working group which developed the information requirements set out in the EBA’s authorisation ‘Guidelines’.

As part of his European engagement, James participated in a number of working groups, helping to shape regulations and guidance across Europe.

James has also performed in-house roles at payments firms, including Chief Compliance Officer and MLRO, as well as being a member of the Regulatory Working Group at the Payments Association and a Director of The Association of Professional Compliance Consultants (APCC), where he chaired the FCA Authorisations Liaison Group.

James holds a number of professional qualifications, including the ICA International Diploma in Financial Crime Prevention.

James ‘enjoys’ DIY and decorating and supports QPR!