Semi-finalists

Even though innovation is not Fahad's only passion, it is definitely the passion that motivates him the most. Fahad is someone who always have a 'Can do' attitude, he believes in thinking and talking about solutions rather than the problem. As an Assistant Relationship Director of Asset Financing he puts his customers at the heart of everything he does, recently he has been involved in coming up with ideas to get customers more involved in fighting climate change which he thinks is a problem that needs immediate attention.

Bradley joined the industry in 2016 as part of the HSBC Graduate Management Programme: working across the branch network, first direct and multiple head office teams supporting our various distribution businesses. Since then, he has moved into Wealth Management, being involved in a wide variety of projects but primarily focused on understanding his customers and ensuring HSBC’s proposition meets their needs. More recently, Bradley has been responsible for developing HSBC’s customer experience strategy and identifying opportunities for improving their service.

Jack has been a member of the Chartered Banker Institute for 6 years, and is currently employed by Coutts as a Private Banker, based out of their Edinburgh office. As a Private Banker, Jack looks after a portfolio of Scotland’s most successful entrepreneurs, business owners and families; providing them with guidance on how to grow and protect their personal wealth. Outside of working hours, Jack has a keen interest in sport; with particular passions for both rugby and golf.

Daniel is the Senior Manager, Customer and Commercial Projects at TSB. He works closely with business leadership to identify, develop and implement their highest priority commercial programmes and corporate development activity. Daniel is the co-chair of TSB’s LGBTQ Network. Daniel read Mathematics at Cambridge.

Dee Korab is a passionate advocate and advisor in sustainable finance. She is the founder of Sparkd, a sustainable finance consultancy helping lenders finance green and greening finance. She is an advisor to the board of Zero, the UK's first climate positive bank, and has a decade of experience in banking, having previously worked at HSBC, NAB and ANZ. In 2022, Dee's industry proposal to fund the climate transition of UK real estate earned her recognition as a finalist and audience prize winner at the Chartered Banker's Young Banker of the Year Competition. Currently, she fosters sustainable finance innovation as an entrepreneur in residence at Zinc, a VC-backed startup incubator. Dee aims to mobilise and direct private capital to support the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon world.

Luke Lyons is a level 7 finance apprentice working at Lloyds Banking Group (LBG) as an assistant finance manager. Luke began his career in the bank working at the customer facing level, engaging with customers through telephoney and later branch before being accepted onto the level 4 finance apprenticeship at LBG. Throughout his career, Luke has proactively sought out opportunities to improve outcomes for his stakeholders. Luke sits on the Kaplan Apprenticeship Advisory Panel (KAAP) and has worked to raise awareness of apprenticeships and shape the programme for future applicants, meeting the minister for apprenticeships as part of this role. In his free time, Luke enjoys rowing at his local rowing club or, more recently, enjoys taking on large DIY projects.

Andrew is an award-winning PR who has worked in communications for over 15 years and currently manages media relations for NatWest, having previously worked for the BBC, National Theatre of Scotland and Assembly. Recent banking PR campaigns include working with comedian Paul Black to create the “Money Mule Man” and raise awareness of money muling and working with Manchester United goalkeeper Emily Ramsey to help give customers savings tips. Andrew is also a committee member of CIPR Scotland, the Chartered Banker Institute, part of the diversity panel of the Dandelion Festival and a member of BAFTA Scotland.

Suzanne works in the Strategy & Engagement Team in AIB (NI) Mortgages. After graduating in 2019 with first class honours in History, she joined AIB as a cashier and retail advisor in her local branch. It was there that Suzanne discovered her passion for serving customers, and a desire to help others feel informed and empowered on financial products and services. In 2021, Suzanne was successful in a gaining a place on AIB UK’s Graduate Programme where she is accelerating her knowledge and understanding of the banking world.

Suzanne is extremely excited to have reached this stage of the competition and is delighted to have the opportunity to share her ideas and vision for the future of financial education. She understands how daunting and challenging the financial world can be for people, particularly younger generations who want to better understand products such as mortgages and even basic money management. With the increasing cost of living and rising interest rates, she believes banks need to take responsibility to support their customers and communities, and do so in a way that appeals and is relevant to them.

When she isn’t working, Suzanne enjoys spending time with her friends, family (and five cats!) and loves to go on long walks along the North Coast of Northern Ireland…as long as there are plenty of good coffee shops along the way!