11:45 am, November 6, 2026
The Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) has appointed experienced banking executive Ian McLaughlin to its board as part of its drive to ‘champion a strong and responsible sector’.
McLaughlin brings more than 30 years of experience in financial services, having worked across consumer finance, motor finance, mortgages, savings, wealth management and insurance.
He joined consumer finance provider Vanquis as group chief executive in 2023, having previously served as chief executive of Bank of Ireland UK.
His earlier career also included several senior leadership roles at Royal Bank of Scotland and Lloyds Banking Group. He has also served on the UK Finance Board and held a number of non-executive directorships.
Confirming the appointment, Shanika Amarasekara MBE, chief executive of the FLA, said: ‘We are delighted to welcome Ian to the FLA board.
‘He brings extensive experience from across banking and consumer finance, together with a deep understanding of the role finance plays in supporting households, businesses and economic growth.
‘FLA members provide the finance that enables consumers to make major purchases and businesses to invest, grow and create jobs.
‘Ian’s expertise and insight will be invaluable as we continue to champion a strong and responsible finance sector and work with policymakers and regulators to ensure our industry can support growth across the UK economy.’
Going forward, McLaughlin says he is lookung forward to working with colleagues ‘to support members and help shape the future of finance in the UK.’
He said: ‘I am delighted to be joining the FLA board at a time when access to finance has never been more important to the UK’s economic ambitions.
‘Every day, finance providers help consumers make essential purchases and enable businesses to invest, innovate and grow.
‘The FLA has a critical role in representing the industry’s contribution to the real economy, and I look forward to working with colleagues across the sector to support members and help shape the future of finance in the UK.’