Technology leadership for modern finance

UK-based · available for strategic roles, advisory work, and high-stakes delivery conversations

I build the systems serious financial businesses rely on when the stakes are real.

With over two decades of experience in the IT and financial sectors, I've worn many hats, from Web Designer to IT Director. I work across trading platforms, investment operations, introducer relationships, and product delivery.

Brokerage operationsMetaTrader oversightInvestment platforms
SIMON SKINNER

Current roles

SIMON SKINNER

IT Director · IT Director

afx.comIT Director
igi Fund ManagersIT Director

23+

Years shipping software, infrastructure, and financial products

2

Current leadership roles

24/5

Operating mindset shaped by live markets and regulated delivery

About

Built for environments where uptime, compliance, and delivery cadence are non-negotiable.

With over two decades of experience in the IT and financial sectors, I've worn many hats, from Web Designer to IT Director. My journey has been marked by innovation, leadership, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. I've led teams across various locations, built groundbreaking software, and contributed to the success of multiple companies. My approach is hands-on, always seeking to understand the core of a problem and find creative solutions. Whether it's managing complex projects or developing new business strategies, I thrive on challenges and never shy away from opportunities to learn and grow.

Core focus
Brokerage operationsMetaTrader oversightInvestment platformsIntroducer relationsSoftware deliveryOperational rescueDebt technologyComparison engines
How I work

IT Director with deep financial sector experience.

Blend of technical expertise with business insight.

Specialises in trading platforms, debt management and comparison engines.

Focuses on technology that delivers long-term value.

Leads teams effectively and explores languages and cultures.

Languages
EnglishNative
FrenchBeginner
GermanBeginner
HungarianBeginner
Experience

Two decades across delivery, infrastructure, digital products, and financial operations.

The common pattern is operational responsibility: keeping teams aligned, platforms reliable, and technology useful to the people who depend on it.

02/2023 - PresentLondon, United Kingdom

IT Director

afx.com

As IT Director at afx.com, I oversee the company's technology infrastructure, with a key focus on managing MetaTrader platforms and collaborating with Liquidity Providers to ensure seamless trading operations. My role involves optimising systems for performance, security, and reliability to support afx.com's innovative financial services. With a hands-on approach, I work closely with teams to streamline processes and implement technology solutions that enhance both client and business outcomes. afx.com's commitment to excellence drives my efforts to maintain a robust IT environment that meets the demands of the fast-paced financial sector.

  • Oversee the company's technology infrastructure, with a key focus on managing MetaTrader platforms and collaborating with Liquidity Providers to ensure seamless trading operations.
  • Optimise systems for performance, security, and reliability to support innovative financial services.
  • Work closely with teams to streamline processes and implement technology solutions that enhance both client and business outcomes.
  • Maintain a robust IT environment that meets the demands of the fast-paced financial sector.
10/2022 - PresentManchester, United Kingdom

IT Director

igi Fund Managers

igi Fund Managers specialise in providing tailored investment solutions, offering a range of services to help clients achieve their financial goals.

  • Manage and develop the company's IT systems to ensure they meet the needs of both the business and our clients.
  • Maintain reliable infrastructure, ensure robust security, and support the organisation's growth through practical and innovative technology solutions.
  • Collaborate closely with teams across the business to implement IT strategies that align with our objectives and commitment to excellence.
06/2017 - PresentManchester, United Kingdom

IT Director

DebtPanel Ltd

As IT Director at DebtPanel Ltd, I lead the development and maintenance of software solutions designed to streamline the management of Debt Management and IVA cases from start to finish. My role involves ensuring the systems are secure, reliable, and efficient, supporting clients in navigating complex financial situations. By working closely with the team, I focus on creating user-friendly technology that simplifies processes and enhances operational effectiveness. At DebtPanel, we are committed to providing comprehensive solutions that empower clients and professionals in the debt management industry.

01/2020 - 02/2023Manchester, England

Operations Manager

Refundable

Refundable is the dream membership product. Not only does it give access to thousands of special offers being a paid member also ensures that should you die all your funeral expenses and more (parties, inheritance, etc) are covered with a £10,000 cash lump sum.

  • But why is this the ultimate membership offer? Because, although you have to pay every month, as long as you don't die during your membership we'll refund 100% of your membership fees. It's a win win situation.
  • Gives access to thousands of special offers
  • Covers all funeral expenses with a £10,000 cash lump sum upon death
  • Refunds 100% of membership fees if you don't die during membership
09/2015 - 02/2023Manchester, United Kingdom

IT Director

Beyond Comparison Group

During my time at Beyond Comparison, I was instrumental in developing white-label software solutions for the comparison industry. Our platform empowered external companies to offer comparison services for Life Insurance, Car Insurance, Mortgages, Pet Insurance, and more. We also integrated claims services, including PPI, PBA, and Flight Delay claims, creating a comprehensive suite of tools for businesses. This role allowed me to combine technical expertise with a focus on user-centric design, delivering flexible and scalable solutions tailored to diverse market needs.

07/2015 - 04/2018Manchester, United Kingdom

Owner

CDW Bureau

In July 2015 the owner of CDW Bureau retired and as the only other director the ownership of the company was passed over to me. The next few months I learned more about the Claims industry than I had over the entirety of my career. Due to an increase of workload due to increasing the lead generation staffing I needed to quickly enhance our claims staff levels. In 2016 when I received an offer, I decided to merge the company with Beyond Comparison to allow us increased access to staff while also enhancing the portfolio of offerings and Beyond Comparison. This decision took me on to the next level of my career.

  • Perform all support roles in a regulated environment
  • Deal with customer complaints and action them alongside a complaints procedure
  • Liaise with the Ministry of Justice and be part of regular company audits
Ways I can help

Selected services, introductions, and ongoing conversations.

Some engagements are strategic, some are practical, and some sit somewhere in between.

investmentigi Fund Managers

Investment Opportunity

igi Fund Managers offers an advanced self-service investment solution, designed to consistently deliver a 2% return on investment. Their innovative strategy navigates through potential market challenges, providing reliable returns for valued clients. With a focus on stability and consistent performance, igi Fund Managers presents a straightforward approach to growing capital in today's complex financial landscape. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.

investmentafx.com

Investment Opportunity

afx.com offers a GBP Diversified Fund expertly crafted to combine stability with growth potential, providing UK investors with a balanced approach to wealth management. They allocate 40% of investments into their Capital Reserve Account offering a 2% monthly return, ensuring consistent gains. The remaining 60% is distributed equally across Medium Risk, High Risk, and High Risk+ investments, creating an optimal blend of security and opportunity in the GBP currency. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.

serviceTech3k

IT Services

Tech3k is a comprehensive IT services company specializing in Web and Mobile Design and Development, alongside expert consultancy services across a wide range of technologies. With a client-focused approach and technical excellence, they deliver tailored digital solutions that drive business growth and enhance user experience. From concept to deployment, their team of skilled professionals ensures technology needs are met with precision and innovation. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.

serviceSocialAI

AI Marketing Tools

SocialAI enables businesses to harness the power of AI to create high-quality blogs, social posts, audio, and video effortlessly. Their platform helps companies say goodbye to content struggles and hello to automated creativity. SocialAI's cutting-edge technology streamlines the content creation process, saving time and resources while maintaining a consistent brand voice across all channels. They transform digital marketing strategies with intelligent automation that adapts to unique business needs. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.

Capabilities

Technical depth with an operator's instinct for priority.

I've spent enough time inside fast-moving businesses to know that good technology decisions are rarely just technical.

Hands-on leadership

Direction at board level, with enough technical depth to stay credible inside the detail.

Calm under pressure

Useful where downtime is expensive, stakeholders are varied, and noise is the enemy.

Commercial fluency

Built for teams that need product, operations, relationships, and delivery to move together.

Web DevelopmentProgrammingWeb DesignPHPHTMLJavaScriptMySQLCocoaLAMPDebuggingjQueryVB.NETCSS3Visual StudioAJAXZend FrameworkJSONGitXMLDatabasesSubversionMicrosoft SQL ServerOOPXHTML
Testimonials

What collaborators tend to notice after the work is underway.

Simon was instrumental in growing our fintech startup with his technical expertise and strategic vision.
Alex JohnsonPartner perspective
A trustworthy partner who consistently delivers beyond expectations.
Maria ChenPartner perspective
His insights into investment operations saved us significant time and money.
David PatelPartner perspective
Briefings

Writing on technology, delivery, and the reality behind financial systems.