UK Finance appoints Sophia Morrell as Director of UK Public Affairs

UK Finance has today announced the appointment of Sophia Morrell as its new Director of UK Public Affairs. Sophia is currently Political Adviser to Jonathan Reynolds MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions and will join UK Finance on 31 August 2021.

Sophia, who was also Political Adviser to Mr Reynolds when he was Shadow Economic Secretary to the Treasury, oversees all engagement with government bodies, regulators, trade associations, internal stakeholders and NGOs in her current role.

Prior to joining the Labour shadow team, Sophia worked as an independent political consultant advising clients on strategic communications and political strategy. Sophia has previously worked in a number of political and communications agencies including Lansons, Greentarget PR and Headland. Sophia chaired Labour in the City, the Labour party network for financial services, for three years from 2017-2020 and also served two years as the vice chair of the Young Fabians Finance Network.

At UK Finance, Sophia will be responsible for leading the organisation's UK public affairs function and will report to Sarah Boon, Managing Director of Corporate Affairs.

Representing almost 300 firms, UK Finance is the collective voice for the banking and finance industry, acting to enhance competitiveness, support customers and facilitate innovation. It offers research, policy expertise, thought leadership and advocacy, as well as operational activity that enhances members? own services in situations where collective industry action adds value.

Commenting on Sophia's appointment, Sarah Boon said:

Sophia brings a detailed understanding of the political landscape and financial services to UK Finance at a pivotal time for the banking and finance industry. UK Finance and its members are focused on supporting customers through the economic recovery, delivering innovation and ensuring the UK remains globally competitive, and Sophia's extensive advocacy experience will make a significant contribution to this important work.

Sophia Morrell said:

I am hugely excited to be joining the team at UK Finance and engaging on the priority issues facing the sector and those who use it.

?I am looking forward to using my experience across politics and financial services to help further the dialogue between the industry and policymakers at this critical time.