Allison Fower Joins Criterion Board

Appointment reflects rising industry demand for resilient integrations as digital servicing expectations grow.

Criterion, the UK financial services integration standards body, has appointed Allison Fower as a non-executive director.

Allison is Strategy & Transformation Director for the Pensions & Savings business at Standard Life, where she leads the strategic direction and transformation roadmap across an ambitious change portfolio. She brings a wealth of experience in financial services, having previously served as Chief Operating Officer at Alliance Trust Savings and Global Client Director at FNZ, with a track record of delivering operational excellence, sustainable growth and measurable outcomes.

Commenting on her appointment to the non-executive director role with Criterion, Allison Fower, said:

“Criterion holds a critical role in our industry. Its standards underpin more than 750 million protection quotes and over 500 million illustrations a year. I’m looking forward to helping it bring more firms together to improve how the industry connects and shares information securely in ways that support better onboarding and servicing for consumers.”

Billy Burnside, Managing Director at Criterion, added:

“Delighted to have Allison on board. Her wealth of experience leading transformational change at Standard Life, and her dedication to collaboration and innovation, are well aligned with Criterion’s role across the market.

“As regulatory requirements and digital expectations rise, the industry needs connectivity that is governed, resilient and cost-effective. Standards reduce duplication in integration work, freeing up capacity for firms to improve the services advisers and their clients rely on.”

Criterion thanked outgoing non-executive director Gail Izat, also of Standard Life, for her contribution and support during her four years on the board.