David Brear is the CEO and co-founder, alongside Jason Bates, of 11:FS, a fintech consultancy reshaping the financial services landscape. He also serves as the Group CEO of 11:FS Holdings. With a career spanning major financial institutions and digital banking innovation, he has been at the forefront of industry transformation. His experience leading large-scale digital initiatives at Lloyds Banking Group and Aviva, followed by his role heading Gartner’s Global Digital Banking practice, has given him a deep understanding of the evolving financial ecosystem.
At 11:FS, he has spearheaded the development of innovative banking solutions, including Mettle, a challenger business bank for NatWest, proving that established banks can adapt and compete in the fintech era. He also leads the creation of in-house products such as 11:FS Pulse and 11:FS Foundry, designed to help financial institutions modernise their operations.
A recognised figure in fintech, David regularly ranks among the most influential voices in the industry. He is also the host of FinTech Insider and InsurTech Insider, two of the most widely followed podcasts in the sector. His perspective on financial services is built on the belief that digital banking is still in its infancy, and his work focuses on driving meaningful change in the industry. Contact the PepTalk team today for fee information and a speaker availability check.
David Brear explores why financial services remain largely unfinished in their digital evolution. Despite technological advancements, many institutions are held back by legacy systems, outdated mindsets, and slow innovation cycles. Drawing on his experience leading major transformations, he highlights where digital banking is still lacking and what must be done to unlock its full potential. Audiences gain insight into the future of financial services and the steps businesses must take to stay competitive.
Creating a successful digital bank requires more than just new technology. David Brear breaks down what it takes to build a challenger bank from the ground up, from strategy and culture to technology and customer experience. Sharing lessons from his role in launching Mettle for NatWest, he examines what sets the most successful fintech ventures apart and how traditional banks can adapt. Attendees walk away with a clear roadmap for developing and scaling a digital bank.
The financial services industry is under constant pressure to innovate, but transformation is more than just adopting new technology. David Brear discusses how organisations can drive meaningful change by rethinking business models, improving customer experiences, and embedding digital-first thinking into their operations. He shares practical examples from his work with global financial institutions, offering a clear vision of how financial services can evolve to meet modern demands.
Competition in financial services has never been fiercer, with fintech challengers disrupting traditional institutions and reshaping customer expectations. David Brear examines the forces driving this change and how banks can navigate the new landscape. Drawing on his work at 11:FS, he discusses the key battles being fought in banking, the role of technology, and what the winners are doing differently. Attendees gain an inside look at the strategies shaping the future of finance.
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