Meet The Team

Ian McKenna

CEO and Founder

Ian founded Financial Technology Research Centre in 1995 nearly two decades before “FinTech” became part of the industry lexicon.

A boutique consultancy the firm focuses on how personal finance organisations can communicate more effectively with their customers and help them take better financial decisions. As part of this work the firm work with many of the U.K.’s leading long-term savings institutions, financial advisers and technology providers to identify emerging technologies that can transform customer relationships. More recently the firm has added its own InsureTech and RegTech ventures to help advisers ensure they help consumers find the life insurance and workplace pensions solutions that best meet the needs.

In addition to developing a UK view Ian travels extensively to identify similar trends around the world and the lessons that can be learned from other countries.

Jason Green

Chief Commercial Officer

Jason previously spent six years at a High Net Worth advisory firm as a paraplanner to the CEO. Joining FTRC in 2011 as a Research Consultant, Jason has subsequently been appointed Head of Workplace Research, and leads our Workplace Pensions & Savings research and insights, focusing on Group Pensions/Master Trusts, Auto-Enrolment and Financial Wellness.

Alongside this he manages our Digital Wealth Insights analysis. www.digitalwealthsights.com is service to benchmark WealthTechs and other related FinTech companies consistently against their peers to provide effective analysis and insight.

When not in office Jason will be planning his next overseas adventure or exploring the London restaurant scene.

Adam Higgs

Head of Research: Advisers Services

Adam leads Protection Guru’s detailed protection research and benchmarking of both product and operation features provided by insurers and has a vast knowledge of the protection market. He has been instrumental in building the protection comparison service ProtectionGuruPro and maintaining the data to enable advisers to quickly and easily compare protection products based on quality and price. He also works with adviser firms to help in panel reviews and with insurers to help them understand the shape of the market, their strengths and the areas that could be improved in their products.

Jo Legg

Protection Specialist

Jo joined us from LV= in July 2023 and is passionate about protection products and providing the best outcomes for clients.  Her background has seen her working with advisers, mortgage brokers and wealth managers, giving her an extensive knowledge of the challenges facing these different groups when it comes to introducing protection insurance with their clients. As part of the Protection Guru team she will be primarily looking after relationships with insurers but also liaising with advisers who have signed up for the PGP service. 

In her spare time Jo loves to travel, exploring new cultures, cook, read and also has two miniature dachshund puppies who keep her busy.

Samantha Smith

Business & Events Manager

With over 30 years in Financial Services, Sam started work for a small Devon based IFA followed by nine years working for NFIFA/IFAA, a precursor to the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment, in marketing and communication roles. She was involved many IFAA initiatives including the national promotion of Standardised Definitions for Critical Illness Insurance and the production of the “Value of…” range of booklets created by the Association to promote independent financial advice.

Sam joined FTRC in 2003 initially as Office Manager and has taken on a number of roles over the years. Her current remit sees her provide administrative support to ensure the smooth day-to-day operation of the company and also running various FTRC events including our highly successful Empowering Advice Through Technology Conference.

Outside of work Sam enjoys going to the theatre and gigs, supports Everton FC (when they’re winning) & is an ardent Formula 1 fan – even the 5am races!

Dee Adam

Operations Manager

Dee has worked in financial services for over 30 years, with her previous background including time with the Department for Work and Pensions and latterly, a number of financial advisory firms.  

She is experienced in organising and supervising administrative activities in busy commercial environments, with extensive knowledge of the Wealth Management and Employee Benefits’ financial planning processes. Her operational functions have included areas such as HR, compliance, technology, and marketing.

Dee has joined FTRC as an Operations Manager and works alongside the team to create, deliver, and manage all its services, ensuring the smooth day-to-day operation of the company. She never knows what is going to land on her desk and loves a challenge!

Outside of work, Dee loves exploring the great outdoors and is currently on a mission to conquer all the Wainwright fells. When she isn’t hiking, she enjoys travelling to new destinations and experiencing new cultures.

Martin McKenna

Senior Consultant

Martin has been in the financial services world for 30 years, working across many of the key disciplines. ​

​With time spent as an adviser, working in the product world for a life and investment company, as Head of eCommerce in an adviser support services distribution, Lead Business Consultant in adviser software production for a bespoke financial services software firm, and as Head of Business System Design for a large national advice firm.​

Martin was himself a member of FTRC’s Adviser Forum when working in distribution in the 2000’s and has a wide insight across the advice process and the business processes needed to support them.​

Darren Madden

Research Consultant

Darren has been in the financial services industry since 2006. Working in various Financial Services roles from Central Operations, Wealth Management Administration, Senior Employee Benefits to Paraplanning. In this time, he has obtained his Diploma in Regulated Financial Advice, along with other additional CII accreditations to further his knowledge and career in financial services.

Outside of work, Darren is a self-titled tech geek, he builds his own computers, plays Virtual Reality Games. When not stuck inside technology, he loves spending time with his family and friends.

Jess Prasannan

Business Analyst

Jess re-joined FTRC after a 9-year gap, where she worked as a Product Owner/ Business Analyst at Dynamic Planner.

Jess joins the team as a Business Analyst working with our Product and Development teams to support the design and delivery of our products and software.

Outside of the office, Jess enjoys spending time with family and friends, baking, and enjoying a nice meal out.

Jessie Leworthy

Communications Coordinator

Jessie Leworthy first joined FTRC as an intern while working toward her BSc in Banking and Finance. After completing her degree, she moved into a full-time role and now serves as the Communications Coordinator, where she’s expanding her knowledge in the ever-evolving world of FinTech. Jessie plays a key role in shaping the company’s social media presence, crafting marketing strategies, and building strong relationships with FTRC’s audience. She’s passionate about honing her skills and making meaningful contributions to FTRC’s growth in the FinTech space.

In 2023, Jessie was proud to receive the ‘Trainee of the Year’ award at the Europe FinTech Awards, a milestone in her journey. She remains committed to her professional development and continues to contribute to the innovative work happening at FTRC.

From Devon, Jessie loves spending her free time by the coast. Whether she’s surfing or just relaxing on the beach, being by the sea helps her unwind and keep a healthy work-life balance, so she can return to her role with fresh energy and enthusiasm.