Bob Wigley was today announced as the Chair of a new integrated trade association, which will bring together member organisations operating across a wide range of financial services in the UK.

Bob Wigley was today announced as the Chair of a new integrated trade association, which will bring together member organisations operating across a wide range of financial services in the UK.

The new entity will integrate the remits, skills and capabilities of six trade associations: The Asset Based Finance Association (ABFA), British Bankers? Association (BBA), Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML), Financial Fraud Action UK (FFA UK), Payments UK and the UK Cards Association (UKCA).

Bob has held a number of senior positions in financial services and brings with him many years of relevant experience.

As Chair of the new organisation, commencing the 1st March, Bob will oversee the appointment of the Chief Executive of the new body and the integration of the existing trade associations later in 2017.

Bob said: ?I am honoured to be taking on this key role at such a critical time for the industry.

Financial services make a considerable contribution to the UK economy and currently face a challenging environment. I aim to build a strong and effective body capable of speaking for the industry with one voice and working constructively with consumers, regulators and stakeholders.

This new organisation aims to become an authoritative voice for the finance sector all around the UK, building on the expertise of its diverse membership. I look forward to leading and overseeing the new organisation and to meeting the challenges and significant opportunities that lie ahead.?

ABFA Chair Martin Cooper said ?The Asset Based Finance Association congratulates Bob on his appointment as chair of the proposed new combined financial services trade association. His role is a crucial one and the ABFA and its members look forward to continuing to work with the association team and colleagues from the other associations and industries to make this initiative a success.?

BBA Chair Noreen Doyle said: ?I welcome the appointment of Bob as Chair of the new financial services trade association. He brings a wealth of experience to the role and a strong track record of leadership. His appointment will continue to ensure the new trade association addresses the many opportunities and challenges the industry faces in supporting customers, businesses and the country as a whole?.

CML Chair Peter Hill said: ?We are delighted that Bob has agreed to become chair of the new association, and believe that he will deliver the quality of leadership needed to take the new body forward.?

FFA UK Chair Alex Grant said: ?The establishment of New TA creates an exciting opportunity to combat financial fraud and crime in one place. The financial fraud community looks forward to working with Bob as he provides the leadership needed to make this vision a success.?

Payments UK Chair Gerard Lemos said: ?The appointment of Bob is great news and we warmly welcome him. This announcement marks an important step forward towards launching the new trade association at a time of
great change, and also an opportunity for the payments industry and for financial services more widely.?

UKCA Chair Melanie Johnson said: ?Bob is a great appointment and will provide the experienced and energetic leadership much needed for the UK financial sector in this crucial period. A successful integration of the expertise and skills held within The UK Cards Association with the other five associations will create improved coordination to best represent the UK financial sector through the crucial period ahead and help ensure that the industry can properly meet the future needs of its customers. We warmly welcome Bob and look forward to working together.?

The new name and brand for the new trade association will be decided in due course and will be launched in the summer of 2017.