We are a dynamic and internationally acclaimed team of 20+ experts with 300+ years of experience in 20+ countries and 7+ languages, set to revolutionise ethical finance.
Vemi Ventures
Jeremy Takle
As our Non-Executive Chair, Jeremy’s primary objective is to ensure the Vemi board is effective in setting and implementing its direction and strategy. He has been building banks globally for over 25 years, successfully leading and advising companies digitally transforming financial services, and is Founder and CEO of Pennyworth, a UK fintech.
In 2016 he formed, and was MD of, Barclays Digital Consumer Bank, a U.S challenger bank. He has also been a member of Barclays UK Management Committee, led Barclays Consumer Lending to become the UK’s largest digital lender, and was CFO and later Chief Product and Marketing Officer for Barclays Europe.
In 2016 he formed, and was MD of, Barclays Digital Consumer Bank, a U.S challenger bank. He has also been a member of Barclays UK Management Committee, led Barclays Consumer Lending to become the UK’s largest digital lender, and was CFO and later Chief Product and Marketing Officer for Barclays Europe.
Hasan Raza
Hasan has almost 15 years of experience in investment banking, global markets and private equity. He is Co-founder and Group CEO of Vemi Ventures, and Managing Partner in Vemi Capital. Hasan has led Vemi from inception through the Bank of England regulatory process up to final submission.
He has previously worked at HSBC and BNP Paribas in global markets. His experience also spans startups, private equity and real estate: Hasan has led, helped acquire or financed real estate deals in the UK, including a landmark deal in 2016 - a £94m acquisition in a prime central London with over £1bn Gross Development Value.
He has previously worked at HSBC and BNP Paribas in global markets. His experience also spans startups, private equity and real estate: Hasan has led, helped acquire or financed real estate deals in the UK, including a landmark deal in 2016 - a £94m acquisition in a prime central London with over £1bn Gross Development Value.
Mary-Anne Moffatt
Mary-Anne brings 20+ years of diverse finance experience that spans fintech, banking, pharmaceuticals and crypto. As Vemi's Chief Financial Officer, she will lead the group finance and treasury activities, driving strategic financial outcomes and investment decisions.
Prior to Vemi, Mary-Anne spent 5 years in fintech at the Ramp Network and 10x Banking where she built out essential financial functions and led strategic initiatives and fundraising. She has previously held senior financial positions over 15 years at HSBC and Barclays. A maths graduate and CIMA qualified, Mary-Anne has a fearless pursuit of excellence and innovation.
Prior to Vemi, Mary-Anne spent 5 years in fintech at the Ramp Network and 10x Banking where she built out essential financial functions and led strategic initiatives and fundraising. She has previously held senior financial positions over 15 years at HSBC and Barclays. A maths graduate and CIMA qualified, Mary-Anne has a fearless pursuit of excellence and innovation.
Akram Nahhas
Akram has over 16 years of experience building companies and has fundraised and invested in private and public companies across multiple sectors: real estate, telecommunications, technology and financial services. Akram has co-founded Vemi Ventures.
Anthony Foster
An experienced corporate lawyer, Tony spent almost 25 years at Travers Smith, 13 as partner. He advised companies on M&A, equity fundraisings, governance, restructurings, and general corporate matters, with many of his clients being in the financial services sector.
He has worked with the Bank of England, Canaccord and Metro Bank, as well as a host of financial sponsors. Since leaving private practice, Tony has acted as a legal consultant to various financial services clients.
He has worked with the Bank of England, Canaccord and Metro Bank, as well as a host of financial sponsors. Since leaving private practice, Tony has acted as a legal consultant to various financial services clients.
Giles Adams
Giles worked 35+ years in risk and regulation, including advising and building nearly half the new banks authorised since 2009. He brings unrivalled experience in risk and regulatory matters.
Giles worked in KPMG’s Financial Services Regulatory Consulting practice for 25 years and was a Partner for 14 years. During his time with KPMG, he advised a wide range of UK and international banks and investment firms on prudential and non-financial risk management issues, regulatory compliance and governance matters, including being a Skilled Person on 15 s166 reviews. Prior to KPMG, Giles spent over 10 years working as a regulator at the Bank of England.
Giles worked in KPMG’s Financial Services Regulatory Consulting practice for 25 years and was a Partner for 14 years. During his time with KPMG, he advised a wide range of UK and international banks and investment firms on prudential and non-financial risk management issues, regulatory compliance and governance matters, including being a Skilled Person on 15 s166 reviews. Prior to KPMG, Giles spent over 10 years working as a regulator at the Bank of England.
Geoff Holmes
Geoff is a senior strategy professional with 18+ years’ experience developing strategies for multinational financial services providers, challenger banks and fintech corporations. As our Chief Strategy Officer, he is responsible for setting group-wide strategy, driving international growth, and leading key projects.
Geoff held senior positions at Barclays, First Abu Dhabi Bank and Oliver Wyman. At First Abu Dhabi Bank and Barclays he led business strategy, customer, and analytics functions. At Oliver Wyman he advised major banks, private equity businesses & governments across EMEA on key strategic issues.
Geoff held senior positions at Barclays, First Abu Dhabi Bank and Oliver Wyman. At First Abu Dhabi Bank and Barclays he led business strategy, customer, and analytics functions. At Oliver Wyman he advised major banks, private equity businesses & governments across EMEA on key strategic issues.
Ben Harvey
Ben has over 20 years’ experience building and transforming businesses in the UK, Europe and US. Ben is a senior product and commercial leader in consumer lending and banking. At Vemi, Ben is responsible for design and development of our products, and overall proposition.
Ben was previously in Consumer Lending and Banking with a track record of successfully building and transforming businesses: he was a member of the executive team that successfully grew EnterCard from a start-up to a highly profitable (£100m+ PBT) scaled business. He was the Commercial Officer of Barclays UK Loans business transforming it into the UK’s largest digital personal loan provider. Latterly, he was the Head of Product for Loans and Cards in Barclays U.S where he built the digital personal loans business from MVP startup to a scaled prime-market lender (~$1B) in two years.
Ben was previously in Consumer Lending and Banking with a track record of successfully building and transforming businesses: he was a member of the executive team that successfully grew EnterCard from a start-up to a highly profitable (£100m+ PBT) scaled business. He was the Commercial Officer of Barclays UK Loans business transforming it into the UK’s largest digital personal loan provider. Latterly, he was the Head of Product for Loans and Cards in Barclays U.S where he built the digital personal loans business from MVP startup to a scaled prime-market lender (~$1B) in two years.
Mark Anderson
Mark is an experienced corporate lawyer with 19+ years’ experience. He has advised UK and overseas public and private companies, institutional investors and financial intermediaries on M&A, equity fundraisings, governance, restructurings, and general corporate matters. As our Group Chief Legal Officer, he is responsible for developing our legal strategy and managing all aspects of the group’s legal affairs.
Mark has worked at the New Zealand Stock Exchange and Rio Tinto and at law firms Minter Ellison Rudd Watts and Travers Smith. He has worked with Canaccord and ANZ Bank, as well as a host of financial sponsors, including a secondment to Nomura International.
Mark has worked at the New Zealand Stock Exchange and Rio Tinto and at law firms Minter Ellison Rudd Watts and Travers Smith. He has worked with Canaccord and ANZ Bank, as well as a host of financial sponsors, including a secondment to Nomura International.
Vemi Money
Our Global Leadership Team
Robin Churchouse
Robin has over 30 years’ experience as a regulator, strategic and corporate finance advisor, senior executive and non-executive director. He is responsible for leading the Board of Vemi Money, and his experience as an accountant and strong professional and financial services background are key attributes for our long-term sustainability.
Robin was a regulator at the Building Societies Commission before joining KPMG as a strategy consultant. Following more than a decade at Yorkshire Building Society in a variety of senior roles, he has served as a non-executive director at a range of companies.
Robin was a regulator at the Building Societies Commission before joining KPMG as a strategy consultant. Following more than a decade at Yorkshire Building Society in a variety of senior roles, he has served as a non-executive director at a range of companies.
Shahzad Enver
A senior banking executive, skilled in building and scaling profitable and sustainable businesses, Shahzad brings to Vemi over 20 years' experience managing commercial, credit, finance and analytical teams. He is leading the banking authorisation process as well as the building of the Vemi Banking app.
Previously Head of Banking for the Barclays US Consumer Business, leading their direct-to-consumer banking products, he has also held senior positions at Barclays, Citi and NewDay, working on a broad range of banking products across multiple regions, including North America, Europe, and the subcontinent.
Previously Head of Banking for the Barclays US Consumer Business, leading their direct-to-consumer banking products, he has also held senior positions at Barclays, Citi and NewDay, working on a broad range of banking products across multiple regions, including North America, Europe, and the subcontinent.
David Jenkins
David brings over 25 years’ experience in the financial services industry to Vemi. He has a strong track record of building and leading high performing multi-disciplinary teams across several blue-chip brands including Credit Suisse, Prudential, ABN AMRO and Lloyds Banking Group.
In the challenger banking space as Recognise Bank CFO, David was integral to the development of the bank, finance teams and processes, and attracting a cornerstone investor. Previously, David was Director of Finance at Aldermore, managing the 2015 IPO and leading corporate development and M&A for the SME division.
In the challenger banking space as Recognise Bank CFO, David was integral to the development of the bank, finance teams and processes, and attracting a cornerstone investor. Previously, David was Director of Finance at Aldermore, managing the 2015 IPO and leading corporate development and M&A for the SME division.
David Perry
David is a technology leader with over 30 years’ experience in traditional, fintech and challenger banks. He is responsible for the build and integrations forming our technology platform, together with its operational support.
Prior to Vemi, David held senior positions at Barclays, RBS, Prudential, Starling, Centtrip, Ziglu and Daniel. He has 3 (US) patent applications for multi cloud and blockchain technology to revolutionise cross border payments. He is an expert in agile systems development at scale, digital payments, cyber security with experience in banking plus UK government and cloud based digital banking.
Prior to Vemi, David held senior positions at Barclays, RBS, Prudential, Starling, Centtrip, Ziglu and Daniel. He has 3 (US) patent applications for multi cloud and blockchain technology to revolutionise cross border payments. He is an expert in agile systems development at scale, digital payments, cyber security with experience in banking plus UK government and cloud based digital banking.
Haytham Tamim
Shaykh Haytham Tamim is an experienced scholar and advisor for Islamic Finance and Shariah compliant wealth structuring. He has a track record assisting institutions launch Islamic compliant products in addition to advising funds and family offices. He has worked with multiple law firms in the UK, UAE and Qatar including Collas Crill, Simmons & Simmons, Norton Rose Fullbright, PWC, Taylor Wessing, KPMG and Howard Kennedy LLP.
Shaykh Tamim has studied with some of the foremost scholars and holds some of the highest Ijazat (certificates) in Fiqh (Islamic rulings). He has served as a senior lecturer of Islamic Fiqh and transactions in comparative jurisprudence at the Islamic University of Beirut and in the U.K.
Shaykh Tamim has studied with some of the foremost scholars and holds some of the highest Ijazat (certificates) in Fiqh (Islamic rulings). He has served as a senior lecturer of Islamic Fiqh and transactions in comparative jurisprudence at the Islamic University of Beirut and in the U.K.
Mark Hipperson
Mark is a Non Executive Director of Vemi Money. Previously, he founded a UK retail bank and two FCA regulated financial technology businesses. His specialities are finance, FinTech, regulation, technology, startups, and M&A.
Mark is the founder and Executive Chairman of Ziglu, a modern neo-bank offering personal financial management. Prior to this, he founded Starling Bank where he was responsible for helping to secure the UK banking licence with regulators and obtaining the funding the Bank achieved in December 2015. He was also responsible for the design, build and implementation of the cloud banking platform, apps and infrastructure. He started his career at Barclays where he was Head of Technology.
Mark is the founder and Executive Chairman of Ziglu, a modern neo-bank offering personal financial management. Prior to this, he founded Starling Bank where he was responsible for helping to secure the UK banking licence with regulators and obtaining the funding the Bank achieved in December 2015. He was also responsible for the design, build and implementation of the cloud banking platform, apps and infrastructure. He started his career at Barclays where he was Head of Technology.
Vemi Capital
Our Global Leadership Team
Michael Whealon
Michael brings over 25 years of senior level investment banking and private equity experience to Vemi. Prior to joining us, Michael was Founder and Managing Partner of Fox Point Partners LLP, a merchant bank focused primarily on private capital markets.
He has also held senior Managing Director positions at major financial institutions, including Marsh & McClennan and ING Barings, focusing on TMT investment banking. Michael also held senior roles at Bear Stearns in both New York and London, including Head of Canadian Investment Banking and Head of European Telecoms, Technology and Media.
He has also held senior Managing Director positions at major financial institutions, including Marsh & McClennan and ING Barings, focusing on TMT investment banking. Michael also held senior roles at Bear Stearns in both New York and London, including Head of Canadian Investment Banking and Head of European Telecoms, Technology and Media.
Kevin Cunningham
Kevin has over 25 years of investment banking experience, advising public and private companies on mergers, acquisitions, strategy, restructurings, and fundraisings, and has broad experience investing across the financial services sector. As a partner at Vemi Capital, he is jointly responsible for our merchant banking division.
Prior to joining us, he was Partner at private equity firm Financial Services Capital, Managing Director at Stephens Europe, and Founding Partner of Fenchurch Advisory Partners. He started his advisory career in the European Financial Institutions Group at Deutsche Bank.
Prior to joining us, he was Partner at private equity firm Financial Services Capital, Managing Director at Stephens Europe, and Founding Partner of Fenchurch Advisory Partners. He started his advisory career in the European Financial Institutions Group at Deutsche Bank.
Frederik Wijsenbeek
Frederik is a private equity partner with 25 years of experience. He has a track record of growing and developing alternative asset management platforms having led teams investing >$5Bn across Europe and North America. As Chief Investment Officer of Vemi Capital, he will build the world’s first >$1Bn ethical, Shariah-compliant private equity fund manager.
Frederik was a Managing Director at Morgan Stanley for nearly a decade; he helped establish and lead Morgan Stanley Tactical Value, a $2Bn opportunistic private equity fund based in New York. Previously, Frederik was a Director and the Head of Direct Private Equity in Europe for the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan and a partner at Bregal Capital.
Frederik was a Managing Director at Morgan Stanley for nearly a decade; he helped establish and lead Morgan Stanley Tactical Value, a $2Bn opportunistic private equity fund based in New York. Previously, Frederik was a Director and the Head of Direct Private Equity in Europe for the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan and a partner at Bregal Capital.
Hasan Raza
Hasan has almost 15 years of experience in investment banking, global markets and private equity. He is Co-founder and Group CEO of Vemi Ventures, and Managing Partner in Vemi Capital. Hasan has led Vemi from inception through the Bank of England regulatory process up to final submission.
He has previously worked at HSBC and BNP Paribas in global markets. His experience also spans startups, private equity and real estate: Hasan has led, helped acquire or financed real estate deals in the UK, including a landmark deal in 2016 - a £94m acquisition in a prime central London with over £1bn Gross Development Value.
He has previously worked at HSBC and BNP Paribas in global markets. His experience also spans startups, private equity and real estate: Hasan has led, helped acquire or financed real estate deals in the UK, including a landmark deal in 2016 - a £94m acquisition in a prime central London with over £1bn Gross Development Value.
