Parker Fitzgerald appoints leaders for Cyber Risk and RegTech practices

20 July 2018 Consultancy.uk

Global consultancy Parker Fitzgerald has appointed two new practice leaders, in anticipation of rising demand in some of its newest sectors. Deloitte alumni Chris O’Driscoll and Kyle Hastings both arrive at the firm’s London office to lead its RegTech and Cyber Risk offerings respectively.

Founded in 2009, Parker Fitzgerald is a strategic advisor and consulting partner to some of the world’s leading financial institutions. Headquartered in London, the firm’s global network of senior industry practitioners, technical experts and change specialists offer services in all areas of financial and non-financial risk, regulation and financial technology. As the firm attempts to position itself for a glut of demand in its cybersecurity and RegTech offerings, Parker Fitzgerald has completed the appointment of two new practice leaders for its London office.

Chris O’Driscoll has been positioned as the firm’s Lead Partner in its RegTech Practice. His duties will see him work to improve and expand Parker Fitzgerald’s RegTech offering, focussing on how emerging technologies can be leveraged within a financial institution’s operating model to help lower the cost of meeting on-going regulatory compliance and reporting obligations. Additionally, he will manage the firm’s relationship with the global FinTech and RegTech community and represent Parker Fitzgerald on all FinTech Industry working consortia.

Parker Fitzgerald appoints leaders for Cyber Risk and RegTech practices

Over the course of his 15-year career, O’Driscoll has been instrumental in helping clients adapt their business strategy and operating models in response to major advancements in technology. Most recently, this saw him spend two years with PA Consulting, as Head of Disruptive Change. Prior to this, he was a Senior Manager at Big Four firm Deloitte.

O’Driscoll said of his appointment, “This is an exciting time to be in the industry. The digital transformation the financial sector is undergoing is bringing both opportunities and challenges to companies and customers. I look forward to joining the team as we continue to support our clients.”

Kyle Hastings has meanwhile been appointed as Practice Leader at Parker Fitzgerald’s Cyber Risk practice. Addressing growing corporate concerns on the back of a number of high profile cyber-attacks in 2017, the newly created Cyber Risk practice brings together over 100 cyber security, risk management and data privacy specialists who assist the boards of major financial institutions with shaping their strategic response to the emerging threat landscape and new global regulatory standards. In his role, Hastings will also oversee Parker Fitzgerald’s strategic partnership with Holistic Cyber, a global leader in Cyber Defence and Data Security originating from the Israeli Defence Force (IDF).

Bringing more than 20 years worth of experience following senior roles at Barclays Investment Bank, VTB Capital, Hastings is also a Deloitte alumnus. His most recent role saw him work as a Director in Cyber Risk Advisory at the Big Four firm.

Hastings commented, “I am delighted to be joining Parker Fitzgerald at this exciting time for the business. There are significant and complex challenges affecting the industry, not least the proliferation of cyber-attacks and the heightening regulatory expectation on cyber resilience. I am eager to help clients manage the cyber risks arising from their business activities and I look forward to working with the team over the coming months and years.”

Commenting on the duo of appointments, Scott Vincent, CEO, Parker Fitzgerald said, “We are delighted that Chris is joining the team at an important moment for the industry. His proven track record to help grow businesses will be critical as Parker Fitzgerald continues to lead the market in addressing their digital and regulatory challenges… Kyle joins Parker Fitzgerald at an important juncture for the business and the wider industry. The digitisation of financial services means the sector is balancing the needs of embracing a sustainable digital business model as well as addressing the growing regulatory requirements and broader cyber threats to their businesses and customers.”