Build your Board Career in Fintech & Regulated Financial Services
Expert-led 10 hours On-Demand Course
The FINTECH Circle Board Programme is a finance- and fintech-specific course
designed to enable senior financial services professionals to build credible, paid portfolio careers as:
FINTECH Circle Board Programme 2026
What is the Board Course format?
Join the Worlds 1st Fintech-focused Board Course
Get UK board-ready with the only board programme backed by top Headhunters and senior Fintech leaders
Get UK board-ready with the only board programme backed by top Headhunters and senior Fintech leaders
You’ll immediately gain access to:
- Watch 12+ Hours of Premium Board-Level Training- Available 24/7
- Complete 8 x Strategic Modules designed for Future Board Leaders
- Webinars: Fintech specific & Board Role focused
- Experience Live “Pop-Up Boards” & Real-World Role-Play Scenarios
- Enjoy Hybrid Learning. Both on and offline
- Connect With Senior Finance & Fintech Professionals
- Meet Leading Executive Search Firms & Top Headhunters
- Live CV Coaching
- Attend Exclusive VIP Networking & Leadership Events
- Professional Industry Networking
- Access Promotional Opportunities within The Community
- Events: Access the Annual Board & CEO Summit
Who should Join?
Former or current senior leaders across financial services and professional services with at least 15 years of experience transitioning away from full-time executive roles. The Course is ideal for those seeking portfolio careers and portfolio income, not “mentoring” or unpaid advisory work.
Combines:
- Strategic frameworks with practical guidance
- Real-world fintech case-studies
- Interviews with successful Board Members & Headhunters
FINTECH
CIRCLE
BOARD
Prgramme
All modules are designed to be completed in short, focused sessions.
Course Lecturers include:
Patrick Dunne OBE
Experienced Chair & Board Member. Founder of Boardelta and author of award-winning “Boards”.
Boardelta
Ralph Grayson
Founder Partner at Ralph Grayson. Advisory board and board leadership specialist.
Sainty Hird & Partners
Susanne Chishti
Chair at FINTECH Circle, Advisory Board at Elevator Ventures, NED at Crown Agents Bank.
FINTECH Circle
Elevator Ventures
Ian Merricks
VenturePath, The ScaleUp Investment Platform, UK ScaleUp Investment Mission Patron.
Whitehorse Capital
Simon Poole
Non-Executive Director helping boards use AI responsibly and effectively.
Grounded Thinking
Charles McManus
Unicorn Council Co-Chair, Chairman, Strategic Board Adviser and Co-Founder & Board Director.
ClearBank
Established Lecturers from
The curriculum
Six modules. Every door you need opened.
A fintech-specific curriculum covering board readiness, portfolio strategy, regulatory
accountability, AI literacy, and fundraising from seed to exit.
Module 1
Board Fundamentals
Led by
Patrick Dunne OBE
- Board overview
- Directors' duties in regulated sectors
- Role of Board vs Executive
- Sub-committees: Audit, Risk, Remuneration, Nomination
- Key roles: Chair, SID, NED, CEO, CFO
- Governance frameworks
Module 1
Portfolio Career Strategy
Led by
Patrick Dunne OBE
- Board overview
- Directors' duties in regulated sectors
- Role of Board vs Executive
- Sub-committees: Audit, Risk, Remuneration, Nomination
- Key roles: Chair, SID, NED, CEO, CFO
- Governance frameworks
Module 1
Fintech Advisory & NED Landscape
Led by
Patrick Dunne OBE
- Board overview
- Directors' duties in regulated sectors
- Role of Board vs Executive
- Sub-committees: Audit, Risk, Remuneration, Nomination
- Key roles: Chair, SID, NED, CEO, CFO
- Governance frameworks
Module 1
Fundraising Journey
Led by
Patrick Dunne OBE
- Board overview
- Directors' duties in regulated sectors
- Role of Board vs Executive
- Sub-committees: Audit, Risk, Remuneration, Nomination
- Key roles: Chair, SID, NED, CEO, CFO
- Governance frameworks
Module 1
Regulatory Accountability
Led by
Patrick Dunne OBE
- Board overview
- Directors' duties in regulated sectors
- Role of Board vs Executive
- Sub-committees: Audit, Risk, Remuneration, Nomination
- Key roles: Chair, SID, NED, CEO, CFO
- Governance frameworks
Module 1
AI for Board Members
Led by
Patrick Dunne OBE
- Board overview
- Directors' duties in regulated sectors
- Role of Board vs Executive
- Sub-committees: Audit, Risk, Remuneration, Nomination
- Key roles: Chair, SID, NED, CEO, CFO
- Governance frameworks
Looking for a Board Position?
What makes the FINTECH Circle Board Programme different is the unique combination of both Virtual learning and also real-world application.
As well as 12+ hours of Video learning, delivered by senior Industry professionals, board members are invited to join live “Pop-Up Boards” and interactive role-play sessions designed to simulate genuine boardroom discussions and decision-making environments.
These sessions help you to develop the confidence, communication skills, and strategic mindset expected from modern board directors, while allowing you to learn directly from experienced professionals and peers within the Fintech industry.
As well as 12+ hours of Video learning, delivered by senior Industry professionals, board members are invited to join live “Pop-Up Boards” and interactive role-play sessions designed to simulate genuine boardroom discussions and decision-making environments.
These sessions help you to develop the confidence, communication skills, and strategic mindset expected from modern board directors, while allowing you to learn directly from experienced professionals and peers within the Fintech industry.
Get FINTECH BOARD Ready
Join Fintech-Specific Webinars Focused On Real Boardroom Challenges
Benefit From Hybrid Learning — Online Flexibility + In-Person Experiences
Connect With Senior Finance &
Fintech Professionals
Receive Live CV & Board
Positioning Coaching
Positioning Coaching
Attend Exclusive VIP Networking &
Leadership Events
Leadership Events
Build Powerful Industry Relationships
That Open Doors
That Open Doors
Access Promotional Opportunities
Within The Community
Within The Community
Gain Entry To The Annual Board &
CEO Summit
CEO Summit
Learn What Boards Actually Look For In Modern Non-Executive Directors
Develop The Confidence To Contribute
At Board Level
At Board Level
Position Yourself As A Credible,
Board-Ready Leader
Board-Ready Leader
Surround Yourself With High-Level Decision Makers & Influential Executives
Course Materials include:
Boards: A Practical Perspective
by Patrick Dunne
(Module 1)
FinTech for Dummies
by Steven O’Hanlon and Susanne Chishti
(Module 3)
Testimonials
What our members say.
“FINTECH Circle helped us fill two
strategic NED roles, one of whom was
also instrumental in closing our last
funding round. The introductions have
added immense value and helped
accelerate Aventur’s growth and
valuation significantly.”
Stacey Body
Co-Founder & CEO, Aventur
“FINTECH Circle is a very valuable network of exceptional finance and technology professionals. I am delighted that I found my NED role via an introduction through FINTECH Circle.”
Sonja Lang
NED Aventur · CEO, Mindful Clarity
“I’ve joined the Board Programme to step up and serve better, both my career and our industry. Susanne Chishti and FINTECH Circle thank you for accepting me in your programme!”
Monica Millares
Chief Product Officer at Purpose Driven Fintech and Advisory Board Member and Product, Strategy & Commercial Operator in B2C Fintech
Your 12 Month Programme
Get Board Ready with the World 1st Fintech Focused Board Programme
- Online Access to all Course Materials for 1 year
-
Top 10 Tips for writing your Board CV in
Finance & Fintech
-
First year Membership of the FINTECH
Circle Board Group
- Guide to how to find your 1st Board Role in this sector
- Career Advice from top Industry head-hunters including Audeliss, Miles Advisory, Norman Broadbent, Sapphire Partners, Teneo, Warren Partners
-
Join the private FINTECH Circle Board WhatsApp Group
for peer-to-peer networking and support
Programme Includes
Monthly Live Webinars
Every month we hold live webinars on Topics such as:
Webinar: Changing your Mindset from Executive to
Non-Executive: what interviewers look for and how to prepare
Non-Executive: what interviewers look for and how to prepare
Webinar: Building a high-impact NED CV for fintech board roles,
with Warren Partners
WORLD'S FIRST · LIVE
FINTECH Pop-up Boards
Live · curated · real companies
Attend LIVE on our Pop-up Boards. You’ll receive board materials in advance and participate just as a genuine board member would.
Recent example
A Company in Crisis
Co-founders have fallen out, a key investor has not transferred committed capital, and the largest client has not paid. The board must navigate an existential moment.
These “pop-up” sessions give you a LIVE experience of board issues — a world’s first.
The FINTECH Circle Board Programme
What is Included in the Board Course?
Join the Worlds 1st Fintech-focused Board Course
Get UK board-ready with the only board programme backed by top Headhunters and senior Fintech leaders
Get UK board-ready with the only board programme backed by top Headhunters and senior Fintech leaders
You’ll immediately gain access to:
- Watch 12+ Hours of Premium Board-Level Training- Available 24/7
- Complete 8 x Strategic Modules designed for Future Board Leaders
- Webinars: Fintech specific & Board Role focused
- Experience Live “Pop-Up Boards” & Real-World Role-Play Scenarios
- Enjoy Hybrid Learning. Both on and offline
- Connect With Senior Finance & Fintech Professionals
- Meet Leading Executive Search Firms & Top Headhunters
- Live CV Coaching
- Attend Exclusive VIP Networking & Leadership Events
- Professional Industry Networking
- Access Promotional Opportunities within The Community
- Events: Access the Annual Board & CEO Summit
What You Get
Annual Board & CEO Summit
16 November 2026, City of London
Network at our VIP Board & CEO Summit. Members are invited to our exclusive, in-person gathering of fintech CEOs and the leading board headhunters in financial services.
Not open to the public — reserved for programme members only.
Not open to the public — reserved for programme members only.
Private Peer Network
Gain direct access to a curated group of fellow senior professionals and programme faculty — for ongoing exchange, deal flow, introductions, and opportunities.
Your Personal
Marketing Profile
We will interview you and publish both a written profile and a video interview, positioning your expertise and governance credentials — distributed to our community of 260,000 fintech professionals via LinkedIn and our monthly newsletter.
This alone is the kind of visibility that takes years to build independently
This alone is the kind of visibility that takes years to build independently
Access to Board
Whats App Group
All our cohort members will have access to fellow members and our lecturers, providing ongoing peer-to-peer networking and a confidential space to ask questions and discuss important board challenges.
Become Board Certified
Upon completion of all 8 Modules you will receive the FINTECH Circle Board Certificate.
Attend the Annual
Board Summit
All our cohort members will have access to fellow members and our lecturers, providing ongoing peer-to-peer networking and a confidential space to ask questions and discuss important board challenges.
Continued Learning
Receive exclusive recommendations to specialized Fintech Board Career Coaches and sector specific trainings focused on Audit, Risk, Remuneration, Nomination, Sustainability and Tech/AI Committees
Who this Course is Perfect for?
The Programme is designed for:
- Senior leaders from banking, insurance, asset management, payments and fintech
- Former or current partners from consulting and audit
- Experienced fractional executives
- Board advisors and NEDs expanding into fintech
- Coaches with proven experience in regulated environments
It is NOT Designed for:
- Early-career professionals
- Sectors outside of finance and technology
What you'll leave with
A defensible, paid
portfolio career.
01
A defensible portfolio-career strategy
02
Clear role boundaries and practical knowledge
03
Confidence to spot where you add most value across sectors and company stages
04
Long-term credibility — and a measurable lift in interview success
The difference
What makes this
programme different.
Unlike generic portfolio or board programmes, this one:
Focuses on regulated financial
services only
services only
Covers fractional, advisory, NED and
Chair roles together
Chair roles together
Includes personal career tips by top
industry headhunters
industry headhunters
Emphasises judgement, boundaries
and downside risk
and downside risk
Reflects how regulators actually
interpret behaviour
interpret behaviour
Is grounded in real fintech scenarios
The FINTECH Circle Board Programme
What is Included in the Board Course?
Join the Worlds 1st Fintech-focused Board Course
Get UK board-ready with the only board programme backed by top Headhunters and senior Fintech leaders
Get UK board-ready with the only board programme backed by top Headhunters and senior Fintech leaders
You’ll immediately gain access to:
- Watch 12+ Hours of Premium Board-Level Training- Available 24/7
- Complete 8 x Strategic Modules designed for Future Board Leaders
- Webinars: Fintech specific & Board Role focused
- Experience Live “Pop-Up Boards” & Real-World Role-Play Scenarios
- Enjoy Hybrid Learning. Both on and offline
- Connect With Senior Finance & Fintech Professionals
- Meet Leading Executive Search Firms & Top Headhunters
- Live CV Coaching
- Attend Exclusive VIP Networking & Leadership Events
- Professional Industry Networking
- Access Promotional Opportunities within The Community
- Events: Access the Annual Board & CEO Summit
FAQ
Who is this programme designed for?
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Is this programme suitable if I already sit on boards or act as a NED?
Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versions of Lorem Ipsum.
What will I learn?
Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versions of Lorem Ipsum.
Does this programme guarantee board or advisory roles?
Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versions of Lorem Ipsum.
How long does the programme take to complete?
Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versions of Lorem Ipsum.
Is the programme accredited for CPD?
Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versions of Lorem Ipsum.
If you have any questions, book a private consultation.
Book your 15 minute Consultation
Choose how you’d like to connect with the FINTECH Circle Advisor
(No obligation. No pressure.)