FCA appoints Chris Pond as Chair of Consumer Panel

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has named Chris Pond as the new Chair of its Financial Services Consumer Panel, effective 2 June 2025.

Pond succeeds Helen Charlton, who led the panel since 2022. The panel plays a key role in representing consumer interests and advising the FCA as it advances its five-year strategy focused on trust, innovation, and consumer support.

FCA Chair Ashley Alder welcomed the appointment, saying: “The Financial Services Consumer Panel plays a vital role in bringing the consumer viewpoint into our decisions, particularly as we advance our new 5-year strategy to build trust, drive innovation, and support consumers in managing their financial lives.

“I would like to thank Helen Charlton for her fantastic leadership of the panel since 2022 and extend a warm welcome to Chis Pond as her successor.”

Pond, a former MP and experienced advocate for consumer and social justice, said: “I’m excited to join at a pivotal time and ensure consumer voices remain central to building trust in our financial systems.”

The appointment was approved by the FCA Board and the Treasury.