Finastra, a global provider of financial services software applications, has taken a significant step in its journey to becoming a skills-based organization, by joining the Financial Services Skills Commission (FSSC).

The FSSC is an independent, non-partisan, member-led body, representing the UK Financial Services sector on skills. The organization works directly with the sector and advocates for innovative collaboration to ensure that businesses have the talent and skills they need for the future.

Prior to its FSSC membership, Finastra already established a global Skills Center of Excellence, dedicated to unlocking the potential of its people with a vision to establish the firm as a skills-based organization. Its membership of the FSSC now reflects the broadening range of organizations involved in modern financial services, and how all subsections of the sector share a common skills challenge.

Finastra will contribute to FSSC’s working groups to help take action and drive change on the sector’s skill gaps, as well as collaborate on key areas of strategic growth such as an enterprise-wide AI skilling initiative which is currently at the forefront of its focus. Finastra will also join the FSSC board, meaning it will inform the body’s strategy and operations.

Helen Cook, Chief People and Communications Officer at Finastra, said: “Having served on the FSSC Board previously, it is wonderful to be back as a member to double-down on our focus around skills and talent at our organization. Consistent with our Open Finance ethos that sees us harness software to enable new financial ecosystems, drive sustainable decision-making and support positive societal change, we believe in unlocking the potential of our employees too.

“That’s why we are on a journey to become a skills-based organization and our Skills Center of Excellence (CoE) is dedicated to fostering a culture of continuous growth through skills relevancy, innovation, and agility. Our people are our greatest asset and this direction is very much about creating a workforce that helps Finastra to attract and retain talent but also to equip everyone with meaningful and relevant skills which prepare us all for the demands of the future.”

Claire Tunley, Chief Executive of the Financial Services Skills Commission, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Finastra as a member of the Commission. Having worked with Helen in previous roles, we know that she shares our vision for building a skills-based sector, and increasing the supply and diversity of talent within financial services.

“Financial services is a diverse sector, representing many different specialisms. Through its FSSC membership, Finastra will inform our policies and agenda through its expertise in innovative financial software. We look forward to working with them to tackle the skills and talent issues the sector is facing.”