Sanlam UK has snapped up David Mason, founder of two fintech start-ups based in the Google TechHub campus.

Fintech entrepreneur Mr Mason becomes wealth manager Sanlam’s chief operating officer as part of the move.

After leaving Barclays Wealth, Mr Mason founded two new fintech start-ups based in the Google techub campus, and most recently he was the program lead for the launch of Saranac Partners, a new wealth management business.

He will head development of Sanlam’s operational platform, with a specific focus on “delivering innovative technology solutions to meet the evolving requirements of its clients”.

Mr Mason said he wants to “help build a business that sets the pace in our industry.”

Mr Mason has over 20 years of experience leading digital innovation projects in wealth management markets across the globe.

He has spent the majority of his career with Barclays Wealth and has held a number of senior roles including, global head of it strategy & architecture, regional CIO (Asia) and chief of staff to the chief operating officer. During that time he led teams of over 200 IT professionals and was pivotal in setting up new technology centres in India and Singapore.

Mr Mason said: “Sanlam is a firm with big ambitions. It’s rare to work with a business that not only understands the needs of its clients, but is actively thinking about their needs 10 or 20 years from now. Key to meeting these requirements is a forward-looking and flexible operational platform.”

Mr Mason will report to CEO Jonathan Polin and will sit on Sanlam UK’s executive committee.

Mr Polin said: “We are delighted that David is joining the team at this exciting time. He has a track record of delivering operational rigour and efficiency as well as client-centric technology solutions. His appointment is a key step towards our goal of building a relevant, forward-looking business with financial advice at is heart.”

Sanlam UK consists of:

• Sanlam Private Wealth
• Sanlam Investments & Pensions
• Sanlam FOUR
• Sanlam Wealth Planning