Photographic portrait of Christopher Woolard CBE
Financial services are increasingly complex as strategy, regulation and technology come together. Adapting to these challenges is essential for sustainable businesses and better customer outcomes.

Christopher Woolard CBE

Partner, Financial Services Consulting, Ernst & Young LLP; EY UK FinTech Leader; EY Global Financial Services Regulatory Network Chair; EY EMEIA Financial Services Regulation Leader

Experienced senior leader in regulation, strategy and innovation. Building better consumer and market outcomes in financial services.

Chris chairs the EY Global Regulatory Network. He leads EY EMEIA financial services regulation services, and has a strong focus on innovation. 

Prior to EY, Chris had a 25-year career as a public servant, including serving on the board of the Financial Conduct Authority and as interim Chief Executive. He served on boards or committees at the Bank of England, FSB and IOSCO. At the FCA, he founded Project Innovate and the regulatory Sandbox, which have been emulated in more than 50 countries worldwide. He has strong leadership, strategy and change management experience gained in a variety of challenging roles.

Chris is a board trustee of the UK Consumers’ Association, Which? and a Member of the City of London’s socio-economic taskforce. In 2021, he was appointed CBE by HM the Queen for services to financial regulation and financial innovation. He is a Freeman of the City of London.

How Christopher is building a better working world

“I play a key role working with EY clients to become more resilient and customer- focused as the financial services industry reshapes.

My goal is to work with EY teams and clients to focus on innovation and the positive role it can play in financial services of the future so that we can build a better working world.”

Contact Christopher