The former interim chief executive of the UK's City watchdog, Christopher Woolard, is to join accountancy firm EY where he will chair its regulatory network.
He is expected to join EY's UK operation in April but will oversee its regulatory work in the financial services sector on a global scale.
Woolard, who was awarded a CBE this year for services to financial regulation and financial technology innovation, headed up the Financial Conduct Authority as interim chief executive between March and September last year.
He oversaw the majority of the regulator's responses to the coronavirus pandemic and most recently spearheaded its crackdown on the 'buy now, pay later' sector.
Prior to his chief executive role Woolard had served as executive director for strategy and competition at the FCA since January 2013.
He said: "As the industry faces a series of global challenges including the effects of Covid-19, rapidly changing technology, and acting with environmental and social purpose, there will rightly be focus on how policy is formed and put into action, conduct and compliance is upheld, and how governance is maintained and improved upon.
"Navigating this landscape will be essential to a successful and sustainable market."
Woolard joins as John Liver, who currently leads EY’s UK financial services compliance work, is set to retire from the company in September to "focus on new priorities".
Anna Anthony, UK financial services leader at EY, said: "I am thrilled that Chris is joining EY. He brings a unique perspective and an unrivalled depth of knowledge and understanding of the financial services regulatory environment.
"Markets across Europe are now navigating the post Brexit world and starting to shape out their future, and as the UK in particular forges new relationships and looks to build out its green and digital capabilities, strong, innovative and progressive financial regulation will be a crucial component."
rachel.mortimer@ft.com
