• James Slevin, previously of Bravura, Chris Hickman of Iress and Scott Machin from iPipeline join Criterion
  • The Standards body’s new hires reflect growing demand from advisers for improved systems integrations and data flow for processes like letters of authority, transfers and valuations.

In response to the accelerating demand for industry-wide quality integrations across financial services, Criterion, the independent standards body, has announced three senior appointments. Chris Hickman, formerly of Iress, and James Slevin, previously from Bravura, have joined Criterion as Business Development Managers while Scott Machin, formerly of iPipeline, has been appointed Proposition Manager. 

This move comes as advisers, providers, platforms and discretionary fund managers face mounting pressure to improve operational efficiency and customer outcomes. With the FCA’s Consumer Duty sharpening scrutiny, and challenges around transfers, service standards and model portfolio rebalancing, firms are reassessing how systems can better connect amid fragmented processes and rising development costs. 

Criterion supports financial organisations in implementing and maintaining more than 80 industry-agreed integration standards. These cover critical processes such as letter of authority, platform account opening and valuations and income reconciliation - areas where poor connectivity continues to cause delays, rework, operational risk and inconsistent client experiences. 

James Slevin, business development manager at Criterion, says:

Advice firms and platforms continue to face common pain points such as letters of authority, where inconsistent processes can still result in delays of over 50 days. Fit-for-purpose, reusable integrations are one of the most practical ways organisations can reduce friction and improve outcomes for consumers.

Chris Hickman, also a business development manager, adds:

Digital innovation is what sets platforms apart, but it requires the capacity to develop and deliver new ideas. Standards-based integrations, designed to be ‘built once and reused often’, unlock that capacity. By cutting down complex integrations and eliminating duplication, firms can accelerate innovation to allow more compelling services to be brought to market for advisers and their clients.

Scott Machin, proposition manager, comments:

Each year, more than 750 million protection quotes depend on Criterion standards. With the FCA’s upcoming pure protection market study, my focus is on ensuring our standards roadmap continues to meet regulatory priorities and the practical needs of firms across the protection market.

Billy Burnside, managing director at Criterion, reflects:

Chris, James and Scott join Criterion at a time of accelerating change right across protection, investment, and pensions. As digital propositions expand and regulatory responsibilities increase, trusted connectivity is critical. With a strengthened team operating as a not-for-profit, we continue to enable the industry to innovate cost-effectively for the ultimate benefit of the consumer.