The Financial Data and Technology Association has elected Christine Day as Chair of its Board and Kat Cloud as Vice Chair. The trade body represents more than 30 financial technology companies and data access platforms.
The appointments put two executives with experience in financial technology, regulation and consumer data policy at the top of an industry group active in debates over open banking, open finance and digital identity rules.
Day previously served as Chief Information Officer and Chief Technology Officer at Questrade Financial Group, where she helped guide the Canadian firm's growth from a startup into a major online brokerage. She also worked on regulatory changes linked to Canada's first robo-advisory platform.
Cloud is Head of Government Relations at Sumsub and has held policy and compliance roles at Yodlee, Plaid and the UK Financial Conduct Authority. Her background centres on digital identity, financial crime compliance and financial services regulation.
The leadership changes come as policymakers in several markets continue to shape frameworks governing how consumers and businesses can allow access to their financial data. Those rules affect services including payments, account aggregation, personal financial management, credit underwriting and fraud prevention.
FDATA advocates for consumer-permissioned data access, representing companies that build services on financial information shared with user consent. The group works with policymakers, regulators and financial institutions on rules intended to balance broader access with safety and consumer protection.
Day said the organisation had already established a role in the policy debate.
"FDATA has played an important role in advancing consumer financial data rights and fostering collaboration among policymakers, financial institutions, fintechs, and consumer advocates," said Christine Day, Chair of the Board, FDATA.
She added: "I look forward to working with the Board, FDATA members, and stakeholders across the ecosystem to help ensure consumers and businesses continue to benefit from innovation, competition, and secure access to their financial information."
Cloud said the sector's next phase would depend on coordination between industry and regulators.
"I am honored to serve as Vice Chair and help support FDATA's mission," said Kat Cloud, Vice Chair of the Board, FDATA.
She added: "As financial services continue to evolve, it is critical that policymakers and industry work together to build frameworks that promote innovation, security, trust, and consumer empowerment. I look forward to contributing to that work alongside FDATA's members and leadership."
Policy focus
The board appointments underscore the importance of policy expertise for trade groups operating in the financial data sector. Open banking regimes have already been introduced or proposed in a number of jurisdictions, while broader open finance models and digital identity standards remain under active discussion.
That work has drawn in a wide range of stakeholders, from banks and fintech groups to consumer advocates and regulators. Questions around consent, data security, liability and competition continue to shape the pace and design of reform.
Day brings a technology and operations background to the role. Her career at Questrade was tied to product change and digital transformation as online investing platforms expanded their share of retail financial services.
Cloud's profile is rooted more directly in policy formation and regulatory engagement. Her roles at Yodlee and Plaid placed her close to the development of open banking compliance and UK policy debates, while her earlier work at the Financial Conduct Authority gave her direct regulatory experience.
FDATA Executive Director Steve Boms said the pair would strengthen the association's work with policymakers and industry participants.
"Christine and Kat are both highly respected leaders who have made significant contributions to the advancement of financial technology and consumer-permissioned data access," said Steve Boms, Executive Director, FDATA.
"Their expertise, leadership, and commitment to innovation will be invaluable as FDATA continues its work on behalf of consumers and innovators around the world."