TrueTalk with Jack

Tell us about your role.

I coordinate how TrueLayer influences public policy (government and regulators) to ensure the right conditions for the company's growth across the UK, EU and globally. A lot of the work focuses on pushing for better user journeys, so that open banking works well for consumers. 

What brought you to TrueLayer? 

I joined TrueLayer in 2019 from the Financial Conduct Authority (the UK’s banking regulator). I’d been working on the implementation of open banking regulation, especially on how the APIs would work in practice. After that, it was an obvious and exciting choice to join a company putting these APIs into action. 

What’s a typical working day for you?

I spend a lot of time collaborating with people at TrueLayer to understand what our blockers are, and then externally with trade bodies and authorities to try address those blockers. For example, pushing for full coverage of instant payments across the EU, providing evidence of open banking obstacles to EU authorities and ensuring the development of open finance unlocks new use cases for our customers. 

Describe TrueLayer in three words. 

High-speed train. 

What’s the best thing about working here?

Being surrounded by very smart, driven and hard working people who are all pushing in the same direction to make TrueLayer’s products amazing.  

What are you most excited about over the next year?

TrueLayer will take open banking payments mainstream – addressing all the pain points of manual bank transfers and card payments – from fraud and scams, to clunky user journeys. 

What keeps you motivated?

TrueLayer has given me the autonomy to build a public policy team from scratch. Having this responsibility and being able to set my own goals and strategy is highly motivating. 

What would you say to someone considering joining TrueLayer?

Take the leap. I joined from a regulator – a very different kind of organisation, with a different pace, but I haven’t looked back since. You might feel there are risks in terms of job security, or that you won’t ‘fit the mould’ of a startup. But there are all kinds of people from all kinds of backgrounds at TrueLayer and a huge emphasis on wellbeing and employee support.

Chances are, if you like to work hard and learn – you’ll fit right in. 

When you’re not at work, where might we find you?

Playing with my daughter, playing cello in an orchestra, digging up my garden, or in the pub.  

Words to live by?

As a Yorkshire lad: 

Wheear 'ast tha bin sin' ah saw thee, ah saw thee? 
On Ilkla Mooar baht 'at 
Wheear 'ast tha bin sin' ah saw thee, ah saw thee? Wheear 'ast tha bin sin' ah saw thee?
On Ilkla Mooar baht 'at
On Ilkla Mooar baht 'at
On Ilkla Mooar baht 'at
Tha's been a cooartin' Mary Jane
Tha's bahn' to catch thy deeath o' cowd
Then us'll ha' to bury thee
Then t'worms'll come an' eyt thee oop
Then t'ducks'll come an' eyt up t'worms
Then us'll go an' eyt up t'ducks
Then us'll all ha' etten thee
That's wheear we get us ooan back

TL:DR – wear a hat on Ilkley moor or you’ll end up being eaten by your family. 

Books, podcasts or films you’d recommend?

I love films and food: Kermode & Mayo’s Film Review and the Off Menu Podcast have been playing constantly through lockdown. 

What’s coming up for you in 2022 outside of TrueLayer?

My daughter is 14 months and watching her grow and learn is the most amazing thing in the world.