Stuart Cook
Partner, expert in Finance, Risk and Compliance
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"Financial services firms at a moment of upheaval. While the rise of digital has reshaped operations for companies in the sector, the next wave of transformation is already upon us. But businesses are still about people. Those firms that effectively management this aspect of change will the ones that are able to modernise and thrive in future”"
At a glance:
Joined Baringa in:
2002
Works across:
Financial services
Favourite place:
The stunning landscapes of New Zealand, or the Alps
In detail:
Stuart leads the Finance, Risk and Compliance team. After a brief spell at a large consultancy, Stuart joined Baringa in 2002 and now has over two decades of consulting experience advising financial services clients. An energetic and enthusiastic consultant, Stuart spent his first decade at Baringa working in our energy trading practice. After initially helping Banks build their commodity trading capabilities, Stuart moved into our Financial Services leadership team.
Working here, Stuart observed an opportunity to meet a new set of client needs. These fell into three categories. Firstly, companies were having to meet new regulations to respond to the lessons learned from the financial crisis. Secondly, they were adapting to evolving and multiplying risks, including financial crime and climate risk. Thirdly, CFOs needed a more intensive level of training, mentorship and external expertise. Recognising this, Stuart helped create the Finance, Risk and Compliance team. Today the group includes ninety subject matter experts able to advise clients on every aspect of this dynamic and crucial industry.
Stuart still enjoys rolling up his sleeves to work directly with clients. He leads our engagement with one of our biggest financial services accounts and is proud of what we have achieved for them. Stuart’s zeal for the job is infectious – he’s instilled a culture of tenacity in the team, dedicating time to empowering and developing those he works with. He believes that results come through deep work - pulling teams together and immersing themselves in an issue - until it is resolved. He takes a pragmatic and common-sense approach to problems, which helps him get to the root of often fiendishly complex problems.
Stuart is a devoted husband and father to a daughter and twin boys. If he isn’t working or spending time with his family, he’ll be found pedalling around the countryside around London on his road bike or catching up on watching sport. A lover of the mountains, his trip of choice is to the Alps to snowboard and ski, and he’s looking forward to teaching his children his favourite mountain sports too.
Are 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?