David Ferguson, founder of financial advisory platform Nucleus, has been unveiled as the new Chief Executive at Seccl.

The appointment, which is subject to FCA approval, will see Ferguson replace current co-CEOs Sam Handfield-Jones and Dave Harvey in April.

In a statement, Seccl revealed Ferguson’s primary focus will be to steer the company’s future technology and product direction as the firm continues to scale.

Handfield-Jones, who led the company’s acquisition by Octopus in 2019, will transition into an advisory role, Seccl confirmed.

Ruth Handcock, Chair of Seccl and CEO of Octopus Investments, said: ”I’m really pleased and excited to welcome David, whose deep sector expertise, proven track record and clear commitment to putting customers first will be of enormous value as we look to further accelerate our growth.”

Ferguson is widely regarded as a passionate technologist and vocal champion for the fintech sector, having served as Chairman of FinTech Scotland and Fintech Envoy for HM Treasury.

Prior to stepping down in September 2021, Ferguson led Nucleus to £20bn in assets under administration.

Commenting on the appointment, he said: ”I’m both grateful and motivated to join such a respected, disruptive and progressive company, and to build on the strong foundations that the team has already laid.

“I was determined that my next role should involve working with the best and most transformational technology in our industry, with the backing of an investment partner who shares my ambition and values.”

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Ferguson added: “Seccl has already marked itself out as having the outstanding technology in our field and, after meeting Simon Rogerson [Octopus Group founder and CEO] and Ruth, I became convinced that this was the perfect home for me in the next stage of my career.”

Handfield-Jones said: ”The opportunity to acquire and build Seccl over the last two and a half years has been one of the biggest privileges of my career.

“In David, we have found the perfect person to lead Seccl in the next chapter of its growth and I have every faith in his and the team’s continued success. I’m excited to watch this success first-hand as I carry on supporting Octopus in its mission of supporting advisers and fintechs.”

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