The panel was launched in 2013 and is an independent body that aims to represent the interests of firms of small or medium size across a range of FCA-regulated activities.
Its “key remit” is to provide input to the FCA from the industry to “help it in meeting its strategic and operational objectives from a smaller business standpoint”.
Clifford joins on a three-year term and will represent the mortgage advice sector on the panel.
He has been Stonebridge’s chief executive for nearly four years and over the same period has been chief commercial officer at MSS.
Clifford has also held senior roles at SDL Group, Century 21, Sesame Bankhall, SDL Letting Solutions and Virgin Money.
Clifford said: “Having served the mortgage industry as both a founding director of the Mortgage Code Compliance Board and as a deputy chairman at AMI [Association for Mortgage Intermediaries], I was really keen to continue to be an advocate for mortgage advice businesses in a formal capacity.
“Given the cost of living pressures facing both our customers and threatening the survival of some smaller mortgage advice businesses, not to mention the significant regulatory burden facing firms due to the Consumer Duty and appointed representative regime changes, I am pleased to have been appointed to the panel at such a critical time.”
He continued: “I look forward to doing my bit to help the FCA meet its strategic objectives and consistently remind the FCA about the impact of regulation on smaller firms such as mortgage advisers.”
Other panel members include AWS’ advice principal partner Devesh Ambasna, City Asset management CEO Nicholas Coghil, Scottish Building Society’s chief executive Paul Denton, Salvation Army General Insurance Corporation Gordon Dewar, Three UK’s head of financial services and compliance Christina Lewis, Tesco Bank’s chief executive Gerry Mallon, Scotwest Credit Union’s Frances McCann, FSB Insurance Service’s David Perry, Curtis Bank’s former CEO Will Self, Evolution Funding’s CEO Lee Streets and Holloway’s chief executive Stuart Tragheim.
The chair of the panel is Chetwood Financial’s CEO Andy Mielczarek. He was appointed in June last year.
Members are appointed through open competition and follow a thorough due diligence process according to the regulator.
