Zopa appoints former HSBC and Microsoft exec as CTO

Andrew Hawkins replaces Ronen Benchetrit who joined dating app Bumble.

Zopa has appointed a former Microsoft and HSBC executive as its chief technology officer, as it looks to beef up its personnel after being granted a banking licence earlier this year.

Andrew Hawkins has over 20 years of experience in technology and leadership roles and has set up a number of startups.

His previous roles include founder and CEO of mobile technology agency Umee and chief product and technology officer at mobile payments startup PepperHQ.

Prior to joining Zopa, Hawkins was global chief technology officer of digital channels at HSBC and he has also worked at Microsoft.

Hawkins replaces Ronen Benchetrit. who joined Zopa in 2016 and is now the chief technology officer at the dating app Bumble.

Hawkins said: "Gaining its bank licence earlier in the year was the start of a new journey for the company. Tech sits at the heart of what Zopa does and is key to providing customers with differentiated financial products that are great value and easy to use. I look forward to continuing to innovate and to scaling Zopa’s great products to more customers.” 

Jaidev Janardana, Zopa’s CEO said: “2020 has been a pivotal year in Zopa’s history. Gaining our full bank licence this year has made it possible for us to launch more products that customers love and which help them get the most out of their money. We’re delighted to welcome Andrew to the team as we continue to grow and realise our ambition of being the UK’s best place for money.” 

Zopa was awarded its full banking licence in June, some 18 months after entering the mobilisation stage. It subsequently pushed ahead with plans to launch a fixed terms savings account.