Industry-led organisation Smart Data Group (SDG), which describes itself as the "collective voice and home" for the UK's smart data ecosystem, has announced the appointment of Dr. Ruth Wandhöfer as independent mobilisation lead.

The move forms part of plans to step up efforts to unlock the next phase of Open Banking in the UK.

In her new role, Wandhöfer will support industry-led engagement on the proposed Open Banking Future Entity (FE), working independently to listen to and reflect views from across the ecosystem.

Subject to industry backing for SDG to take this work forward, she would then support the final design and mobilisation of the FE.

Her role will focus on engaging banks, FinTechs, payments firms and consumer groups to translate policy ambition into an operating model that works commercially and at scale.

Wandhöfer has over 20 years' experience across global banking, payments, regulation, governance, and cybersecurity.

SDG said that Wandhöfer’s appointment comes at a “critical moment” for the sector, as policymakers and industry grapple with how to move Open Banking from a regulatory competition remedy into a commercially sustainable model that can "support growth, competition, and innovation for the UK economy as a whole."

“I’m excited to support the open banking community as it looks to move into the next phase of design and mobilisation," said Wandhöfer. "There is a real opportunity to shape a Future Entity that will be instrumental in building the secure future data highway for the UK economy and thus deliver meaningful value for both businesses and consumers.

"I look forward to working with all stakeholders across the broader ecosystem of our economy to help realise a resilient data economy across all industries.”

SDG has also published an updated Blueprint setting out a "clear mobilisation pathway" for the FE, responding to industry feedback and outlining how governance, funding, and implementation decisions could be taken on an industry-led basis.

SDG’s approach has also received backing from The Investment and Saving Alliance (TISA), one of the UK’s leading cross-industry financial services bodies.

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