A seasoned regulatory professional, Roma Pearson, has been appointed as the Senior Advisory Director in the Consultancy Division of Square 4 Partners. Previously serving as the Director of Consumer Finance at the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), Pearson's extensive career spans over two and a half decades within regulatory frameworks. Her appointment comes amid heightened regulatory attention on financial services firms, particularly under the evolving supervision model of the FCA. With her deep expertise in consumer protection and policy development, Pearson aims to assist Square 4 Partners in helping clients achieve positive consumer outcomes.
Pearson’s new role reflects the growing demand for robust compliance strategies within the financial sector. She brings an impressive background that includes leading roles such as Head of Mortgages & Consumer Lending, Head of Retail General Insurance, and Head of Risk Advisory at the FCA. Her work has been instrumental in pivotal initiatives like regulating deferred payment credit, reforming the Consumer Credit Act, and implementing bans on referral fees by debt packagers.
The transition to Square 4 Partners marks a significant moment in Pearson's career, where she will leverage her extensive experience to support firms navigating complex regulatory landscapes. According to Pearson, this is a critical period for the financial services industry, necessitating a demonstrated commitment to enhancing consumer outcomes.
Square 4 Partners, established in 2021, features a team composed of former Big Four consultants, regulatory experts, and senior leaders from major financial institutions. The consultancy specializes in governance, risk, and compliance advisory services. Managing Director Paul Scott emphasized the value Pearson’s regulatory knowledge and leadership experience will bring to clients grappling with intricate compliance issues.
In this era of intensified scrutiny, Pearson’s expertise is expected to provide invaluable guidance to Square 4 Partners' clientele. Her insights into regulatory expectations and consumer-focused policies will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping effective compliance strategies for financial services firms across the industry.