Simon Gray
Partner, expert in Finance, Risk and Compliance
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"Managing risk real-time and leveraging all the technology we have available is a great opportunity for businesses, but incentives prioritising long-term stewardship over short-term targets need to be in place for leaders too."
At a glance:
Joined Baringa in
2017
Works across
Treasury, finance, risk and compliance
Favourite getaway
The Isle of Wight - a start to the summer tradition for sea, fresh air and relaxation
In detail:
Growing up, Simon always wanted to make his mark in the City. Inspired by a trader family-friend, and with an entrepreneurial streak and fascination for the markets, he set his sights on banking, joining an investment bank to trade currencies as soon as he could. Rising through the ranks as the Euro was introduced, and at the front line during the financial crisis, he was stunned by the gaps he saw in regulatory and risk oversight. Driven to do his bit to avoid similar industry crises in future, Simon turned his skills to risk consulting for banks, joining Baringa in 2017.
Simon thrives on the opportunity that working at Baringa gives him to have an outsize impact on the industry - translating his treasury and risk expertise not just to financial services clients, but also to organisations in other industries that have big balance sheets to manage risk. He designs and implements best practice risk frameworks for them, and in doing so, helps put the safeguards and processes in place to weather unexpected global shocks.
Simon loves using relatable personal finance examples to illuminate the concepts and practices he embeds in client businesses. Always hungry for new insights on emerging risks in his industry, he relishes bringing together teams with diverse experiences and opinions. Spotting, and being ready to adapt to new or emerging threats is fundamental. A trusted guide to his clients, and with a wealth of hands-on experience to draw on, he’s happy to challenge and give direct and honest feedback to reach the best outcome.
Simon is married with two children and lives in the countryside outside London, enjoying the great outdoors on his doorstep. A huge sports fan, on weekends you’ll find him managing and training his sons’ football team, a role he took on many years ago and loves – watching the team’s skills and their friendships develop over time.
Insights from Simon Gray
The refinancing cliff: what it is, how it affects you, and how to survive it
The world is facing a “refinancing cliff”, with businesses paying billions of additional dollars per year due to the effect of higher interest rates. But few of the senior execs charged with coordinating their firms’ responses have professional experience of such a macroeconomic environment.
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Combining technology with a human touch
Financial institutions must combine digital and human interaction to meet customer expectations and differentiate their businesses.
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From bricks & mortar to contact centre 2.0
Digital is now the primary engagement channel within financial services. But a significant proportion of customers still value human interaction.
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The financial services sector must get 'fit for the future' now or risk becoming extinct
Financial Services institutions continue to face challenging macro socio-economic conditions, cost and profitability challenges and regulatory pressure
Read moreAre digital and AI delivering what your business needs?
Digital and AI can solve your toughest challenges and elevate your business performance. But success isn’t always straightforward. Where can you unlock opportunity? And what does it take to set the foundation for lasting success?