The Thistle Initiatives team is divided into specialist practice areas that understand your market and the compliance challenges your business may face.
Sophie Long
CEO
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
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
Michael Bellenger
Finance & Operations Director
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
Alex Paschalis
Investments Director
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
Steve Bailey
Director
As a Director at Thistle Initiatives, Steve holds specialist knowledge of the FCA Handbook and has extensive experience, focussing on consultancy and sales management. Steve is well-versed in the pension and investments sector and with his regulatory knowledge has been involved in over 150 regulatory visits, various Section 166 projects, and other similar assignments such as the SIPP and NMPI (S55 VVOP) work.
Huw Reynolds
Director
With a strong management consultancy background and extensive industry experience in the retail investments sector, Huw is an advocate of good quality processes; get the process right and the compliance will be a by-product.
Paul Caine
Associate Director
As Associate Director and a dedicated member of the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII), Paul exemplifies professionalism and expertise in the financial services industry. His Section 166 projects showcase a strong dedication to industry integrity and regulatory compliance and whilst specialising in pensions and investments, Paul's extensive regulatory knowledge consistently delivers tangible results to clients.
Jessica Cath
Head of Financial Crime
Jessica is a financial crime leader, working predominantly with financial services firms to build, scale and assure all elements of the financial crime framework. Jess has broad experience working with a range of institutions to design and enhance policies and procedures
Lorraine Mouat
Head of 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
Head of 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
Norma Foley
Operations Manager
Focusing on leading operations, HR functions and IT solutions development, Norma joined Thistle Initiatives in 2013, having previously worked for one of the UK’s leading general insurers
Sarah Pritchard
HR Business Partner
Sarah Pritchard joined Thistle Group in November 2022 as HR Business Partner. Prior to joining the group, Sarah held long standing people and culture roles within the communications industry and membership bodies, both as HR Business Partner and standalone HR Manager positions. As well as a wealth of experience operating as an HR generalist, supporting the full employee life cycle, Sarah has built up solid experience in delivering HR strategies and supporting cultural change projects.
