Frank Ray

💬 The Payment Systems Regulator has published its response to a call for views on the expansion of variable recurring payments (VRPs) in the UK, citing key areas such as a multilateral agreement, mandated participation and pricing. Kate Fitzgerald, the PSR's head of policy, said: "Our call for views response aims to provide the transparency around what’s needed to make sure Open Banking keeps growing, delivering new financial opportunities and services that increase choice and flexibility for consumers." Read the full story at the 🔗 including comments from Henk Van Hulle of Open Banking and Tom Burton of GoCardless. #payments #openbanking #recurringpayments #regulation #financialservices #paymentinnovation Sam Uden Samantha Boyle https://lnkd.in/epJRz--v

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How secure are banking apps? Here are some key steps all banks – and users – should be following https://lnkd.in/eiCW9wbn

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September and October have probably been our best months for new contract hires across Tech and Change. But the market still isn't great for a lot of people looking to secure new roles. Permanent hiring seems to be picking up, but I think a lot of organisations are going back to basics and all focus seems to be on revenue generation. Something that I've found really interesting though, I've placed more 1st time contractors in the past 12 months than ever before. I think I've even placed more 1st time contractors this year, than experienced contractors. That's no doubt affected contractors that are competing in this current market. There is a variety of reasons for this... - Permanent hires being made redundant and with less perm opportunities they've been looking at contract roles - People are feeling like permanent roles aren't as stable as they once were, with a lot of the 'safe' companies letting teams go - Easier route for people to get involved with project work, rather than BAU I think that's another reason why contractors are finding it tougher at the minute, and no doubt when perm hiring picks up, it will ease. Reminder that your network is invaluable during these markets - and it won't last forever..

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If you have not filled an open vacancy after 3 months of looking at the market, something ain't right 🤯 Over the past 2 months, I have placed 7 contractors & 2 permanent Data Engineering roles 📊 The longest process being 3 weeks from initial job briefing, to interviews / job offer & contract out. The shortest process being 5 business days ✅ It's kind of like one of them, "It's not you, it's me" kind of vibes, except, maybe, it's not them, it's you & you need to reflect on what you could be doing wrong 🤯 Here are some thoughts: → Is the role actually signed off? → Is the salary/rate on offer too low? → Do you have an unrealistic view of the market? → Are you looking for two hires in one? → Are you overcomplicating/prolonging the interview process? → Is your turnaround time for feedback too long? → Is your interview process too long? → Is your interview panel giving off bad impressions? → What does your WFH policy look like in comparison to broader market? → Does the team have a clear understanding of what they want to hire? → The list goes on... If hiring is a priority, make it a priority. Don't go to market to "see what's out there" - you will damage your brand and reputation. If you don't move fast on good candidates, 9 times out 10, companies with good processes will have them snapped up before you can even arrange an interview 🤯 #HiringTips #InterviewTips #DataEngineer #Hiring #Future #HiringProcess

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is immediately available for new contract assignments (Outside IR35 only) on a hybrid / remote basis. I am actively looking for new project roles - Business Lead, Finance Lead, Transformation Lead, Finance Improvement & Remediation Lead, ERP Lead, BI Lead, ERP Software Search & Selection Lead, Business / Finance Programme or Project Manager, Delivery Manager, Transition Manager, Business Architect, Change Manager, Cutover Manager, Senior / Lead BA, Master Data Management Specialist, Data Migration Lead, Data Cleansing & Governance, NED, Business Advisory & Assurance Roles Given my background & experience, I will consider contract assignments in any industry sector and using any technologies in place Please contact me on + 44 (0) 7747 107083 / [email protected] #OutsideIR35only #OutsideIR35 #interimprojects #anyindustrysector #anytechnology #businesslead #businessimprovementlead #financelead #financeimprovementlead #financebusinesshybrid #ProgrammeManagement #ProjectManagement #DeliveryManagement #TransitionManagement #ChangeManagement #ERPSearchSelectionLead #BILead #ERPImplementation #HybridPMBA #CutoverManagement #DataMigration #BusinessTransformation #FinanceTransformation #Transformation #Remediation #BusinessImprovement #FinanceImprovement #Turnaround #SystemsImplementation #Reimplementation #Stakeholderengagement #3rdpartymanagement #FinanceBusinessCrossover #FinanceBusinessArchitectureStrategy #BusinessProcessReengineering #BusinessProcessReview #BusinessAdvisory #BusinessAssurance #BusinessAnalysis #RevenueAssurance #R2R #A2R #P2P #O2C #SCM #MDM #MDG #BI #MI #MasterDataManagement #MasterDataGovernance #CrossFunctional #ChartofAccountsDesign #BusinessIntelligence #Reporting #FinancialReporting #OperationalReporting #StatutoryReporting #ManagementReporting #ManagementInformation #ManagementInsight #FinanceRemediation #FinanceHybridSystems #NED #AvailableImmediatelyForNewContracts #OpenToWork #ReadyToHitGroundRunning

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is immediately available for new contract assignments (Outside IR35 only) on a hybrid / remote basis. I am actively looking for new project roles - Business Lead, Finance Lead, Transformation Lead, Finance Improvement & Remediation Lead, ERP Lead, BI Lead, ERP Software Search & Selection Lead, Business / Finance Programme or Project Manager, Delivery Manager, Transition Manager, Business Architect, Change Manager, Cutover Manager, Senior / Lead BA, Master Data Management Specialist, Data Migration Lead, Data Cleansing & Governance, NED, Business Advisory & Assurance Roles Given my background & experience, I will consider contract assignments in any industry sector and using any technologies in place Please contact me on + 44 (0) 7747 107083 / [email protected] #OutsideIR35only #OutsideIR35 #interimprojects #anyindustrysector #anytechnology #businesslead #businessimprovementlead #financelead #financeimprovementlead #financebusinesshybrid #ProgrammeManagement #ProjectManagement #DeliveryManagement #TransitionManagement #ChangeManagement #ERPSearchSelectionLead #BILead #ERPImplementation #HybridPMBA #CutoverManagement #DataMigration #BusinessTransformation #FinanceTransformation #Transformation #Remediation #BusinessImprovement #FinanceImprovement #ProgrammeDelivery #ProjectDelivery #Turnaround #SystemsImplementation #Reimplementation #Stakeholderengagement #3rdpartymanagement #FinanceBusinessCrossover #FinanceBusinessArchitectureStrategy #BusinessProcessReengineering #BusinessProcessReview #BusinessAdvisory #BusinessAssurance #BusinessAnalysis #RevenueAssurance #R2R #A2R #P2P #O2C #SCM #MDM #MDG #BI #MI #MasterDataManagement #MasterDataGovernance #CrossFunctional #ChartofAccountsDesign #BusinessIntelligence #Reporting #FinancialReporting #OperationalReporting #StatutoryReporting #ManagementReporting #ManagementInformation #ManagementInsight #FinanceRemediation #FinanceHybridSystems #NED #AvailableImmediatelyForNewContracts #OpenToWork #ReadyToHitGroundRunning

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Awards. Only one thing beats receiving. And that is giving. On Wednesday evening I was privileged alongside Charlene Overend and Kris Foster to attend The Payments Association #Pay360Awards and present the Purple Tuesday Disability Inclusion top prize. Set up for #FinTech organisations to demonstrate they have made great strides towards a culture that recognises, nurtures and embraces accessibility. Warm words. Intent. Not good enough. The judges judged on how accessibility has been embedded into corporate strategy. How positive impact is being measured. And how the lived experience voices have penetrated. This prestigious Award went deservedly to Nationwide Building Society. The one line announcement said: ‘Demonstrating that financial inclusion and independence can be at the heart of an organisation. #NationwideBuildingSociety has delivered on its mutual principles to the benefit of disabled customers, disabled staff and other stakeholders with a range of innovative products and services’. Presenting to Kathryn Townsend was an absolute honour. We go back many years and she has been one of the biggest movers, shakers and nudgers I have ever met in the disability inclusion world. I am still recovering from a 48 hour #Hackathon many years ago which provided insights into accessible technology that I draw on today. FinTech is the most passionate sector and group of people I have ever met. Didn’t quite get to speak to all 850 of them but Teresa Connors. Saira Khan. And Lee McNabb were all inspiring. If you were there but not name checked. Please give yourself a shout out on me. And how positively disability was received. It was only a year ago that I met Joanne Dewar and her impact and that of Project Nemo has been astonishing. Shows what can be done. Rapidly. If you haven’t seen their videos. Look them up today. I have known Ben Agnew for an even shorter time but when a leader gets it. Their staff follow. And that is what’s definitely happening. This is a quickly emerging success story. The lid is being lifted. Right people. Right pace. Right deliverables. Other sectors. Take note. An open source template for you to follow. A very tired but happy Friday. #DisabilityInclusion #DisabilityMatters #Judging #PurpleTuesday #DisabilityConversation31 #BeASue Image Description: A split visual showing two photos side by side from the recent Pay360 Awards. The photo on the left shows a small group of people, including Mike, in smart dress taken at the Awards ceremony. The photo on the right shows the Purple Tuesday Award being presented to Nationwide on stage. Both images show The Payments Association Pay360 Awards logo.

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👥 New research by the Payment Systems Regulator has revealed the impact of APP fraud on victims in the UK. Kate Fitzgerald, head of policy at the PSR, said: “APP fraud isn’t just a financial setback, it affects people’s confidence in payments and can leave them fearful of using digital platforms and retailers in the future.” #fraud #paymentfraud #fraudprevention #socialmedia #payments #openbanking #digitalpayments https://lnkd.in/esFnyBFG

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It's easy to get lost in the job search. With the surge of Quick Apply, volume of Inmails (relevant and not so much), keeping track can be a full time job. Top tip, keep a detailed record of all your applications. Whether they be direct applications, through agency or internal referral it's the best way to know how you are performing in the job search. Less is more. Which can include assessing how your CV is being read, converting to interview and being able to keep it as tailored to the job as possible. It can be easy to hit the Quick Apply button, or just tell an agency to send your CV out (I don't recommend). But it can be damaging to your profile and just not very efficient. If you want a targeted search tailored to what you are looking for, partner with a specialist in your space. I specialise in Architecture & Project/Cost Management across Ireland. Reach out and we can schedule a commitment free chat to discuss the market.

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Open banking next step: A request for public input on how to structure the 'Future Entity' 🏦📲⚖️ Read the new Finextra article in the #Westminster Series by Lord Holmes MBE, Peer of the UK House of Lords 👉 https://lnkd.in/eU4H8g4G #fintech #thelongread #finance #economy #financialservices #financialinstitutions #banking #banks #technology #innovation #future #trends #UK #government #policy #legislation #law #regulation #compliance #risk #regulators #growth #money #markets #digitaltransformation #digitalbanking #onlinebanking #mobilebanking #openbanking #JROC #FCA #PSR #HMTreasury #CMA #CMA9 #OBIE #FutureEntity #dataprotection #datasharing #transparency #DPDIBill #ASPSP #API #OpenAPI #openfinance #security #personalfinance 

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Financial Conduct Authority Confirms Anti-Greenwashing Guidance and Proposes Extending Sustainability Framework Sacha Sadan, Director of Environmental, Social and Governance, FCA, said: “Confirming the new anti-greenwashing guidance and our proposals to extend the Sustainability Disclosure Requirements and investment labels regime are important milestones that maintain the UK’s place at the forefront of sustainable investment. Our good and poor practice anti-greenwashing examples will help firms market their products in the right way. We continue to work closely with the ASA and CMA to address greenwashing. “Consumers care about investing in products that have a positive impact on the planet and people. That’s why we want to boost the integrity of the market and ensure people can make informed decisions about how to invest their money.” https://lnkd.in/efFqsgrR #fintech #finance #banking #paytech #payments #fintechnews #paymentsnews

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IT professionals, read below if you want to significantly improve your work-life balance 👇🏽   I recently asked my network of technology contractors the following question: "How much has your work-life balance improved since switching from permanent to contracting?".   Here's what they had to say:  💡50% experienced a significant improvement. 💡11% experienced somewhat of an improved. 💡14% experienced no change . 💡25% experienced worse conditions.   Factors for significant improvement included:  ✅ Setting their own hours to help juggle personal and professional lives. ✅ The ability to work on a diverse range of projects. ✅ Faster and more significant professional growth. ✅ The ability to focus on delivering work without getting caught up in office politics.   Factors influencing worse conditions included:  ⚠️ Work from home blurring personal/professional boundaries for some employers. ⚠️ Organisation-specific requirements for strict onsite conditions.   Have you been stuck in your permanent job and thinking about making the switch to government IT contracting? I help IT professionals navigate this transition successfully.   If you want to learn how to transition from permanent work to contracting, then message me directly for a confidential chat. #GovernmentIT #CareerAdvice #TechnologyJobs #ITContracting

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THE REALITY OF IT ARCHITECTURE RECRUITMENT SO FAR IN 2024 If you're currently recruiting within IT architecture or planning to, brace yourself for a challenging journey. Recently, I've heard some troubling stories, with roles remaining vacant for months and numerous offers being declined. Here are some stark realities of the current market from a client's perspective. 🌍 Lack of a Compelling Employee Value Proposition Without a strong EVP, attracting top IT architecture talent will be an uphill battle. 🌍 Demanding Office Presence Expecting staff to work in the office 4-5 days a week? Be prepared to struggle with candidate attraction. 🌍 Outdated Recruitment Strategies Relying solely on job ads on recruitment websites? You’ll likely find it difficult to fill the role. 🌍 Inflexibility on Candidate Profiles Refusing to show some flexibility in your 'ideal' candidate profile? Your search might take a while. You don't a Christmas wish list. 🌍 Lengthy Interview Processes Planning more than 3 stages for your interviews? Candidates will likely drop out along the way. 🌍 Procrastination in Decision-Making Delaying decisions? You risk losing candidates, including your top choices. 🌍 Extended Interview Duration If your interview process exceeds 2 weeks, expect candidates to lose interest. 🌍 Unprepared Interviewers Interviewers who aren’t well-prepared or fail to engage with interviewees? You’ll miss out on great talent. 🌍 Inadequate Offers Making offers that don't reflect the true market value of candidates? You’ll lose them to better offers. 🌍 Slow Contract Issuance Taking more than a week to send out contracts? You risk losing your chosen candidates. Recruiting within IT architecture is tough right now. People think there are loads of good candidates on the market, there the ball is in the client's hands....IT'S NOT. However, with thorough preparation, a robust candidate attraction strategy, a streamlined and agile interview process, and competitive offers that reflect true market value, you can succeed. ---------------------- 👋 I'm Mario... I connect great people with exciting businesses We believe people are a business's greatest asset I help businesses reduce time to hire and attrition How? 💻 Follow us to get regular updates 🔗 Connect with me #softwarearchitecture #solutionarchitect #enterprisearchitecture #dataarchitecture

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While many DB schemes are currently well funded, our new DB funding code outlines principles and requirements to support schemes no matter what their financial positions in the months and years ahead. Read the new code: https://ow.ly/B35G50T8v3C #DBFundingCode #DefinedBenefitPensions #Pensions

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Recruitment Consultancy ≠ Recruitment Administration (You're probably paying for consultancy, but getting administration) A lot of agencies operate as outsourced Recruitment Administrators, which is fine if that's the service you're paying for. Here's the difference: ❌ Administrators are reactive ✅ Consultants are proactive ❌ Administrators just advertise and then rely on direct applications ✅ Consultants find the absolute best candidates and reach out to them ❌ Administrators won't give you any real market insight ✅ Consultants have a deep understanding of your market & trends ❌ Administrators won't try to understand your business ✅ Consultants work to understand your business deeply ❌ Administrators take job orders and do what they're told ✅ Consultants will guide you on salary, timelines, interview process, etc. ❌ Administrators will ghost you at the first hurdle ✅ Consultants will work with you until the job is finished ❌ Administrators will tell you what you want to hear ✅ Consultants will tell you the truth, even when it's not pleasant ❌ Administrators are transactional ✅ Consultants are bought into your success and have a long-term view ❌ Administrators won't communicate with you ✅ Consultants will let you know what they need from you clearly ❌ Administrators don't know anything about your EVP ✅ Consultants will help shape your EVP, even if there isn't an immediate fee ❌ Administrators add very little value ✅ Consultants help your business scale & give you a big competitive edge To be clear, if you're paying anything above 17% + and your agency sounds like an administrator, you're getting severely ripped off. There are better options, and plenty of exceptional recruiters out there, even if you might have to kiss a few frogs! Equally, if you're expecting a consultant's service but won't pay what it's worth, don't be surprised if you keep being let down by your suppliers. You get what you pay for.

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Understand the successful user centred design process used by Scotpayments https://lnkd.in/eN3DgsdY #govtech #servicedesign #payments

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Are you ready for PSD3, PSR and FIDA? Tribe MD Alex Reddish delves into the intricacies of the regulations set to reshape open banking, data access and security in the financial sector: https://bit.ly/45LxKYh The Fintech Times | #PSD3 #PSR #FIDA #Payments #Fintech #PayTech

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📢 Webinar this week- How to Create Impactful and Inclusive Government Payment Systems📢 Sign up for this free to attend webinar on Thursday. We are excited to announce our final speaker: Lee Edmonds, Head of Payments Services, Crown Commercial Service, UK. Lee leads efforts to develop procurement routes for non-core banking payments, enabling efficient spending of over £3bn in public sector funds. He recently developed a Dynamic Purchasing System for digital payments services. 👉 Sign up now to gain insights from Lee and our other experts! #DigitalGovernance #GovTech #MastercardForGovernment

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