With more than a decade of experience in the banking sector, having held roles at Bank of New York Mellon (BNY Mellon) and Morgan Stanley, James has been appointed to help AccessPay drive forward with innovation in payments and next-generation financial services.

In his previous role as Global Product Manager at BNY Mellon, he was focused on the role of emerging technology in finance and the role of business insight, having previously worked in a number of roles focused on cash management and foreign exchange. With expertise and an interest in innovative technology such as blockchain and machine learning, he will now lead the product and innovation at the Manchester-based fintech.

James joins the newly enlarged Manchester team hot on the heels of AccessPay’s £2m funding injection from Clydesdale and Yorkshire Bank earlier in April when the business announced a recruitment drive and further expansion. In his role he is being charged with taking the business forward as it looks to continue its 100% year-on-year financial growth, expand operations beyond the UK and be at the forefront of changes taking place in the financial sector.

A specialist in cloud-based payments technology, with hundreds of UK-based customers and 50 employees, AccessPay has championed the evolution of payments and finance since its establishment five years ago. With the vision to drive positive, innovative, and rapid change in the financial services industry, the business is playing an integral role in future developments of the financial sector.

Accesspay’s software sits between customers and their banks, allowing automation of their payment transactions more quickly and securely through one platform and a range of cash visibility and cash management products. They service a range of clients from corporate to large enterprise including Clifford Thames and The AA.

Anish Kapoor, CEO of AccessPay said: “James brings a wealth of knowledge and innovative thinking to the business and we are delighted to have him on board. James shares the same desire for Manchester being a leader in the exciting future for the finance and payments industry and he will play a key role in helping AccessPay achieve its ambition of growth.

James Higgins, Product Director of AccessPay, said: “I am passionate about the opportunities in leveraging technology to revolutionise financial services and I have joined a team that has a broad spectrum of talented individuals who don’t possess any baggage of how the financial and banking sector has previously operated.

“The entire team sees opportunity in the current landscape and shares real determination and focus to build a team that can offer transformative financial services to business, stealing a march on the banks who are encumbered by complex legacy systems, inflexible operating models and who do not innovate fast enough to keep with customer and business demands.

“We have the opportunity to carve a niche in the new world of technological adoption and the sharing economy. We are in a position to capitalise on the perfect storm of regulatory changes driving open banking, emerging technology tools, and modern day business customers demanding a revolution in the payments and cash management experience.”