The Thistle Initiatives team is divided into specialist practice areas that understand your market and the compliance challenges your business may face.
Sophie Long
Chief Executive Officer
As CEO of the Thistle Group, Sophie is responsible for five businesses that collectively employ more than 100 employees. With extensive experience in the regulatory consulting and financial services sector, she is passionate about delivering an industry-leading service
Michael Bellenger
Chief Financial Officer
As a Fellow of the ACCA, Michael advises clients on issues around prudential regulation. This involves compliance work for MIFIDPRU and non-MIFID firms, ICARAs, consolidation, and waivers
Harry Cotton
Chief Commercial Officer
Harry joined Thistle Group as Head of Client Services in 2024 and was promoted to Chief Commercial Officer later that year. He served globally as a British Army Officer and has since held client adviser and leadership positions across the traditional Private Banking and Wealth Management sector, as well as in a FinTech start-up. He is an Associate member of the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investments. In his role at Thistle, Harry works closely with our existing clients and professional advisers as well supporting new relationships.
James Dingwall
Founder & Director
James Dingwall, Founder and Director of the Thistle Group, supports business growth for all of the Thistle Group companies, as well as providing specialist M&A advice and regulatory advice, particularly in the areas of FCA supervision & enforcement actions along with acquisition due diligence support
Alex Paschalis
Partner, Investments
With a CISI diploma in investment compliance and a CFA certificate in investment management, Alex joined Thistle Initiatives in 2015 after two decades working with complex financial products
Jessica Cath
Partner, Financial Crime
Jessica is a financial crime leader, working with a range of firms to build, scale and assure all elements of the financial crime framework. Jess has worked with start-ups to Tier 1 Banks to transform controls through growth phases or when facing regulatory enforcement. Jess has also conducted multiple US monitor and s166 Skilled Person reviews globally. Jess has a Masters in Intelligence and International Security and holds an ICA diploma in Financial Crime Prevention.
Lorraine Mouat
Partner, Payment Services
Lorraine leads a team of skilled individuals to deliver on a variety of projects for a range of PSP’s and EMI’s. Lorraine is a highly skilled regulatory compliance professional with extensive industry and consultancy experience
Matthew Williamson
Partner, Credit & Mortgages
Matt joined Thistle Initiatives in 2015 and has focused on supporting fintechs across the credit, mortgage, insurance and payments space, as well as working with Principal firms managing their Appointed Representatives
