The Investment Association’s (IA) FinTech hub and accelerator, IA Engine, has appointed Simon Swords, Managing Director of Fundipedia, as the new Chair of its Advisory Panel.

Engine works with over 150 FinTech firms and partners to fuel the adoption of technology within the investment management industry. Members have the opportunity to apply for Engine’s Innovator, SPARKS and Advanced Access Programmes, which offer support and guidance for firms at different stages of their growth journey.

The Advisory Panel is made up of leading figures working across investment management, FinTech and financial services who provide expert mentoring to the firms that Engine supports.

In his new role as Chair, Simon will be responsible for leading the Advisory Panel’s quarterly meetings, aligning the contributions of the panel with Engine’s strategic goals, and championing Engine’s mandate to accelerate innovation across the investment management industry.

Fundipedia is an Engine Innovator Programme alumnus, having participated in the Programme in 2020. Simon’s extensive industry credentials and experience with the Engine proposition will allow him to provide valuable insights for both asset managers and FinTechs engaging with Engine.

Simon is replacing John Macpherson who is stepping down from the role of Chair after 8 years. John will remain on the Advisory Panel as an Independent Advisor and Deputy Chair.

Gillian Painter, Head of Engine at the Investment Association, said: 

“It’s fantastic to be welcoming Simon into the role of Chair of Engine’s Advisory Panel. Since joining the Panel earlier this year, Simon has already made an invaluable contribution to our work and the support we give to FinTech firms. We look forward to continuing to work with him as we champion the importance of innovation in our industry. I hope the successful journey Simon and Fundipedia have been on with Engine will inspire other FinTech firms to explore their full potential.”

Simon Swords, Managing Director at Fundipedia, and Chair of Engine’s Advisory Panel, said: “I’ve seen first-hand the tremendous value the Engine programme brings to FinTech firms, and I’m genuinely excited to have the opportunity to help support and shape the next wave of innovation in investment management.

“Fundipedia’s participation in the 2020 cohort directly led to over £1 million in new annual revenue by creating opportunities that simply wouldn’t have been accessible without the backing of Engine and its network. I’m delighted to be stepping into the role of Chair of the Advisory Panel and looking forward to doing even more to connect asset managers and fintechs, driving meaningful collaboration across the industry.”

Notes to Editors

Simon founded Fundipedia over 16 years ago and successfully grew it into a global fund data management platform used by HSBC, Legal & General, Barclays and many more. He exited the business following its acquisition by FE fundinfo in May 2025. During his time at Fundipedia, Simon was responsible for Fundipedia’s global strategy and worked closely with regulatory bodies and industry associations to build partnerships and leverage technology to find innovative ways to solve data problems.

For further information, please contact:

Helen Ayres, Head of Communications: [email protected]

T: +44 (0)20 7269 4620

Ellen Hodgetts, Communications Manager: [email protected]

T: +44 (0)20 7269 4625

[email protected]

About the Investment Association (IA):

• The IA champions UK investment management, supporting British savers, investors and businesses. Our 250 members manage £9.1 trillion of assets and the investment management industry supports 126,400 jobs across the UK.
• Our mission is to make investment better. Better for clients, so they achieve their financial goals. Better for companies, so they get the capital they need to grow. And better for the economy, so everyone prospers.
• Our purpose is to ensure investment managers are in the best possible position to:
  • Build people’s resilience to financial adversity
  • Help people achieve their financial aspirations
  • Enable people to maintain a decent standard of living as they grow older
  • Contribute to economic growth through the efficient allocation of capital.
• The money our members manage is in a wide variety of investment vehicles including authorised investment funds, pension funds and stocks and shares ISAs.
• The UK is the second largest investment management centre in the world, after the US and manages 37% of all assets managed in Europe.

  About Engine:

• Engine is the Investment Association’s FinTech hub, launched in 2018.
• Engine’s mission is simple: To fuel the adoption of technology within investment management, for the benefit and changing needs of clients.
• We’re working with 150+ FinTech firms and partners across the investment value chain to open tech-driven possibilities and solve the challenges faced by investment firms, both big and small.