Sense Of Identity, With Paul Holland From Beyond Encryption: Recent Episodes

Beyond Encryption

Paul Holland from Beyond Encryption talks to industry leaders in technology, financial services, and conservation to explore what identity is and how to protect it in a digital world.

In this episode of our Sense of Identity podcast, we sit down with Chris Schutrups, founder of The Mortgage Hut, to discuss his dynamic entrepreneurial journey in the mortgage and finance industry. With an extensive background in both finance and hospitality, Chris shares valuable insights on customer-centric business strategies and the importance of leveraging technology for growth.

Chris brings a wealth of experience, having led The Mortgage Hut to become one of the UK's leading mortgage advice brands.

His journey also includes significant roles in the UAE's mortgage market and ventures in the hospitality industry.

Key Takeaways:

Customer-Centric Approach: Chris emphasises the importance of putting customers at the heart of every business decision, ensuring a personalised and valuable experience.
Leveraging Technology: From integrated booking systems in hospitality to innovative marketing strategies in finance, hear about technology's crucial role in enhancing customer engagement and operational efficiency.
Regulated Industries: Chris discusses the benefits of operating in regulated industries, highlighting the higher barriers to entry and the potential for better margins and business stability.

Learn more: https://www.beyondencryption.com/blog/customer-focus-and-tech-chris-schutrups

In this episode of our Sense of Identity podcast, we sit down with Sam Howell, Senior Associate at Burges Salmon, to discuss the increasingly vital role of cybersecurity in the pensions sector. With a significant rise in cyber threats targeting pension schemes, it's crucial to understand how to safeguard member data and comply with regulatory guidance.

Sam brings her extensive expertise in pensions industry cybersecurity to shed light on the evolving landscape of risk and regulation, and shares practical advice for trustees and administrators.

Key Takeaways:

Regulatory Changes: Recent updates from the Pensions Regulator emphasise a shift from best practices to mandatory compliance for cybersecurity measures in pension schemes.
Essential Steps for Cyber Resilience: Implementing a cybersecurity policy, an incident response plan, and regular training are crucial for pension schemes to mitigate cyber risks.
Proportionality in Cybersecurity: Smaller pension schemes can achieve substantial cyber resilience with sensible and proportionate measures, tailored to their specific needs and resources.

Learn more: https://www.beyondencryption.com/blog/cybersecurity-pensions-breaking-down-regulatory-guidance

In this instalment of the Sense Of Identity podcast, we delve into the transformative impact of digital engagement in the financial services industry with Ian Beestin and John Glover, co-founders of the award-winning video engagement platform, Money Alive.

Ian Beestin, co-founder of Money Alive, brings a wealth of experience from his previous roles as Marketing Director at Tilney and founder of the ISA Shop Ltd. He is also a member of the secretariat to the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Pension Scams, a keen musician, and a specialist contributor to the Oxford English Dictionary.

John Glover, co-founder and Strategic Accounts Director of Money Alive, has an extensive background in financial services, having co-founded Asset.tv Ltd and held significant roles such as Framlington's UK Sales Director and Sales Director for F&C. His expertise spans fund management, sales, and RegTech innovations.

Key Takeaways:

Understand the importance of modernising communication methods in the financial services industry to improve engagement and trust.
Learn about the innovative use of personalised video content to enhance client understanding and decision-making.
Explore the challenges and opportunities of implementing new technologies in a traditionally risk-averse sector.

Learn more: https://www.beyondencryption.com/blog/innovating-financial-engagement-ian-john-money-alive

On the latest episode of our Sense of Identity podcast, we delve into the dynamic world of IT distribution and innovation with Alex Tatham, Executive Director at Westcoast. The largest privately owned IT business in the UK, known for its significant role in supplying the thousands of devices required for remote working during the pandemic, Westcoast plays a crucial part in the UK's business economy and infrastructure.Key Takeaways:- Discover the pivotal role of IT distributors in managing extensive supply chains and responding to market demands, as evidenced by Westcoast's response during the COVID-19 pandemic.- Explore the impact of artificial intelligence in IT distribution, as Westcoast integrates AI technologies to enhance data management and customer solutions across diverse markets.- Learn about the strategic expansion of IT services, encompassing cloud solutions and complex IT infrastructure, catering to a diverse client base across Europe.

Learn more: https://www.beyondencryption.com/blog/alex-tatham-westcoast-podcast#itdistribution #westcoast #technology

In episode 14 of the Sense of Identity podcast, we explore the evolution of fintech and the data standards maintaining continuity through change, with Billy Burnside, MD of Criterion Tec.With over 30 years of experience in the financial services industry, Billy has held various marketing, e-commerce, and digital transformation roles at prestigious firms including Friends Provident, National Mutual, Standard Life, and Aviva UK.As Managing Director at Criterion since 2019, he has been instrumental in enhancing the development and governance of industry standards. His career has consistently emphasised the importance of standards in the financial sector, promoting their benefits to all industry participants.Key Takeaways:- Understand the critical role of standardisation in the ever-evolving world of financial services technology.- Gain insights into the challenges and innovations surrounding integrations such as APIs and how they are shaping the future.- Learn about the importance of data standards and how they facilitate efficient and secure industry collaboration.Learn more: https://www.beyondencryption.com/blog/fintech-creating-data-continuity-billy-burnside

Welcome to the latest episode of the Sense of Identity podcast. In this instalment (episode 13), we dive into the intricacies of financial advice and regulation, as well as the evolving landscape of cybersecurity insurance with Chris Davies, Executive Director of Howden.

With a career spanning several decades in the financial services industry, Chris brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, particularly in the areas of business growth and regulation. Join us as we uncover the strategies that businesses can employ to ensure they remain resilient against risks while capitalising on opportunities for growth.

Key Takeaways:

Learn about the challenges and opportunities presented by the rapid evolution of technology in the financial services sector.
Discover the significance of cybersecurity, including the concept of 'silent cyber' and its implications for professional indemnity cover.
Recognise the necessity of adapting business practices to meet the changing regulatory landscape and customer expectations.

Read the transcript on our website.

Welcome to episode 12 of the Sense Of Identity podcast. In this episode, we're joined by Cat Dillon, Partner Director at Pathway to Carbon Zero, a consultancy that helps companies to reduce their carbon.

We explore how businesses can take big and small steps that align with their bottom line goals as well as helping to build a sustainable future.Key Takeaways:- Learn about the challenges and successes faced by businesses striving for a sustainable future, and how to combat them.- Gain insights into the latest trends and technologies in the environmental sector that are paving the way for a greener planet.- Understand the importance of digital identity and secure communication in the context of greener business operations.- Discover the approaches that Pathway to Carbon Zero employs to assist companies in reducing their carbon output.Learn more: https://www.beyondencryption.com/blog/pathway-to-carbon-zero-cat-dillon

We spoke to Michelle Cracknell to explore emerging trends, technologies, and innovations that are reshaping the future of customer engagement in the pensions industry.

Michelle has held senior roles at a number of financial services companies, and was CEO at The Pensions Advisory Service for many years. She is passionate about helping people to make the most of their money and helping providers to connect and engage with consumers.

Key Takeaways:

Discover the challenges around technology which looks to revolutionise access to pension information and integrate it into broader consumer-focused strategies.
Explore the disconnect between public perception and the vital role of pensions in financial stability, highlighting the need for better communication and understanding.
Learn about the challenges in safeguarding pension data and the critical role of fostering long-term, trust-based relationships with customers.

Read more:

https://www.beyondencryption.com/blog/customer-engagement-pensions-michelle-cracknell

datasecurity #financialservices #pensions

We welcomed Alan Morahan, Chief Commercial Officer at Punter Southall, to discuss the vital issue of lost pensions.

Alan's contributions at Punter Southall, especially with the National Pension Tracing Day initiative, put him at the forefront of tackling this challenge. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion.

Key Takeaways:

Learn about Punter Southall's evolution from an actuarial practice to offering diverse services like pension administration and wealth management.
Gain insights into the alarming issue of lost pensions in the UK, with nearly £27 billion unclaimed, and understand Punter Southall's commitment to tackling this through initiatives like National Pension Tracing Day.
Discover the real-life benefits of pension tracing through success stories like Kerry Hatton's, who recovered six pensions worth £8000, highlighting the significant personal impact of reclaiming lost pensions.

Read more:

https://www.beyondencryption.com/blog/tackling-lost-pensions-alan-morahan

financialadviser #pensions #financialservices

For over 135 years, from Ecclesiastical Insurance has provided insurance for some of the UK's most iconic heritage buildings. The team behind the company has a best-in-class reputation for providing specialist expertise, guidance and support. For episode 9 of our Sense of Identity podcast, I spoke to Adrian Saunders from Ecclesiastical about their charity work, the history behind the business, and his thoughts on hybrid working.

I caught up with Michael James from Altus Consulting, a company credited as one of 2023's top management consultancies by the Financial Times. Among other things, we spoke about the future of hybrid advice, cross-platform customer experiences, and the trade-offs in moving relationships from online to face-to-face and vice versa.

About Altus Consulting

Altus is a recognised expert in the Life and Pension, Insurance, Investment, Banking and Wealth sectors, providing a unique brand of specialist consultancy and a series of market-leading software solutions for some of the industry’s most challenging problems.

As digital director, Michael helps clients define architectural approaches for customer propositions, driving the delivery of new applications over new and legacy platforms, and advising on mobile, integration, delivery architecture, and risk.

Read the full transcript: https://www.beyondencryption.com/blog/podcast-michael-james-altus

I chatted with Professor Simon Pringle about the future of ESG (environmental, social, and governance) for episode 7 of our Sense Of Identity Podcast. Simon is an expert on sustainability and someone we've worked closely with on our carbon impact monitoring and reporting.

Professor Simon Pringle has 28 years experience in commercial strategy, innovation and sustainability. He is an independent Coach and Management Consultant and was formerly Managing Director of Project Rome, a consultancy that worked with blue chip organisations and CleanTech innovators across multiple sectors.

Learn more: https://www.beyondencryption.com/blog/podcast-simon-pringle

For episode 6 of A Sense of Identity, I caught up with CEO of Origo Services, Anthony Rafferty. We discussed how digital technology is changing the financial services industry for the better and what Anthony's team is doing to streamline industry processes.

Anthony Rafferty is CEO at Origo Services, our partner on the joint secure email solution Unipass Mailock. As the UK's original fintech company, Origo Services has a goal to connect the financial services industry for the benefit of everyone through its toolkit of software services.

For episode 5 of A Sense of Identity, I caught up with CEO & founder Dave Newick to discuss his journey as a business leader and how Arken is transforming document production in the professional services.

Dave Newick is CEO at Arken.legal, a company that helps estate planning professionals meet challenges with digital solutions. He's an experienced leader of SaaS and tech services businesses, with a track record of developing strategies and driving transformation and growth.

I sat down with Huw, our Quality and Compliance Manager, and Carole, Head of Network, to discuss the recent surge in demand for secure email.

In episode 4 of A Sense of Identity, we discuss the importance of a blended (physical and digital) approach to customer communications.

Our guest for this episode is Dave Reynolds, CEO at Paragon Customer Communications (PCC). PCC has evolved from a print production house into an organisation that delivers compliant communications to thousands of customers each week using an insight-driven blend of channels.

ESG Anarchy: A Catalyst For Corporate Change, Or Is It?

In episode 3 of our Sense of Identity Podcast, we discuss the role of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) in driving corporate change.

Our guests for this episode are Andy Middleton, Simon Biltcliffe, and Graham Hooper who are all passionately working towards positive change in their own areas of industry and expertise.

Featured —

Simon Biltcliffe: Simon Biltcliffe is an award winning CEO, international public speaker and business expert; widely acclaimed for his talks on his Marxist- capitalist business model, as well as talks on employee motivation and running a thriving organisation in the 21st century.

https://www.webmartuk.com/meet-the-team/simon-biltcliffe-speaker-profile/

https://twitter.com/marx4capitalism

https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonbiltcliffe/

Andy Middleton:

Andy Middleton is an innovator and strategist for scaled-up sustainability change. He connects leaders to weave cross-sector projects that reconnect nature, enterprise and wellbeing with bold ambition to match the scale of challenge ahead.

www.tyf.com https://twitter.com/gringreen

https://www.linkedin.com/in/andymiddleton/

Graham Hooper:

Graham Hooper is Business Development Director at Beyond Encryption and has a diverse background in the financial services industry. He has over 30 years of experience in corporate governance, regulatory change, mergers and acquisitions, and distribution, and is a trustee of the Truro School Foundation and the Wave Project.

Shownotes —

Make my money matter: https://makemymoneymatter.co.uk/

Future gen: Lessons from a small country:

https://www.google.co.uk/books/edition/futuregen/DlzwDwAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=future+gen&printsec=frontcover

Simeon Rose, Faith In Nature: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simeonr/?originalSubdomain=uk

In episode 2 of our Sense of Identity Podcast, Paul chatted with Chris Read from Dunstan Thomas about how to engage clients in a Tik Tok era.

Dunstan Thomas provides a whole ream of interesting technologies to the financial services sector, investment, savings, retirement... the list goes on. This has gained Chris a unique view of digital transformation that spans the market.

Chris is not only the founder of Dunstan Thomas and a thought leader on all things financial services tech, but he also started The Singing Gorilla Project in Uganda, helping to improve the welfare of remote communities in the country.

Learn more about Chris' businesses:

https://www.dthomas.co.uk/

http://www.singinggorillap.com/

In the first episode of Sense Of Identity Paul chats to Ian McKenna, founder of the Financial Technology Research Centre (FTRC) and Winner of UK Life Insurance Leader of the Year 2022 about the future of financial advice.

Articles by Paul Holland, founder of Beyond Encryption:

https://www.beyondencryption.com/blog/author/paul-holland

Learn more about Ian McKenna on the FTRC website:

https://ftrc.co/who-we-are/