Swansea Building Society has appointed financial technology entrepreneur Martin Breach as a non-executive director.
Breach (pictured, right), who lives in Swansea, has more than 13 years of senior leadership experience in financial services and technology.
He has worked with banks, building societies and finance providers in the UK and overseas on modernising operations, improving customer service and meeting regulatory requirements.
The appointment adds experience in technology, digital transformation and governance to the society’s board as it invests in new services and digital capabilities.
Breach was most recently managing director and a shareholder of Oyster Bay Systems and Profile Data Services, financial technology businesses providing lending and account management systems to institutions in 12 countries.
He led the growth of the companies before overseeing their sale and integration into Aryza Group.
His career has included technology transformation programmes, infrastructure upgrades, data migrations and process improvements for building societies, banks and specialist lenders.
Breach holds a first-class BEng degree in manufacturing systems engineering from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David.
His appointment comes as Swansea Building Society develops its online savings range alongside continued investment in its branch network.
Breach said: “Having spent my career helping financial services organisations embrace technology and adapt to changing customer expectations, I am delighted to be joining Swansea Building Society’s Board.
“As someone who lives in Swansea and has seen first-hand the decline of locally based financial services over the years, I have enormous respect for the role the Society continues to play in supporting individuals, families and businesses across Wales.
“One of the things that attracted me most to the role is that important decisions affecting members are still being made here in Wales by people who understand the communities they serve.
“Swansea Building Society has a proud history, strong values and an exciting future, and I look forward to helping the Society continue to evolve while remaining true to those principles.”
Stephen Maddock (pictured, left), chair of Swansea Building Society, added: “We are delighted to welcome Martin to the Board. He combines deep expertise in financial services technology with extensive experience of leading successful businesses and delivering transformation in highly regulated environments.
“As the Society continues to invest in both its branch network and its digital capabilities, Martin’s insight and experience will be invaluable in helping us meet the evolving needs of members while maintaining the personal service and local decision-making that set us apart.
“Martin also shares our commitment to Swansea and Wales, making him an excellent addition to the Board as we continue to grow and develop the Society for the benefit of current and future generations of members.”
