The name jessica rusu has become synonymous with innovation, data-driven strategy and regulatory transformation in the United Kingdom’s financial sector. As the first Chief Data, Information and Intelligence Officer at the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), she has been at the forefront of shaping how a leading regulator adapts to the age of artificial intelligence, big data and digital change. Her professional journey blends expertise from global corporations, start-ups and regulatory bodies, positioning her as a thought leader whose influence continues to expand across finance, technology and policy.
Early Career Foundations
Jessica Rusu’s career path reflects a rare ability to adapt across industries while keeping a consistent focus on data and innovation. She began her professional journey in the corporate world, working in roles where advanced analytics and customer insight were key drivers of growth. Her early work at eBay gave her direct exposure to digital commerce at scale, where customer data, predictive models and real-time decision systems shaped competitive advantage.
At eBay, she developed a keen understanding of how consumer behaviour data could be applied to improve trust and security online. This experience would later prove invaluable when she transitioned into financial services, where consumer protection and market integrity are paramount.
Leadership in Financial Technology
Before joining the FCA, Jessica Rusu played an important role in the growth of Chetwood Financial, a digital-first challenger bank in the UK. As Chief Data Officer, she was responsible for harnessing data to drive product design, personalisation and risk management.
Her leadership at Chetwood highlighted the transformative potential of data science in modern banking. She built systems that used analytics not only for compliance but also for creating genuinely customer-centric financial products. This balanced focus on innovation and responsibility foreshadowed her later mission at the FCA.
Appointment at the FCA
In 2021, the FCA announced the creation of a new executive role: Chief Data, Information and Intelligence Officer. Jessica Rusu was appointed to this pioneering position, making her the first person to hold such a title at the regulator.
The significance of this appointment cannot be understated. It symbolised the FCA’s recognition that financial regulation in the 21st century must be deeply data-driven, proactive in its use of technology, and agile in responding to innovation in the market.
Her mandate has been broad: to transform the FCA’s data strategy, build intelligence capabilities, modernise IT infrastructure, and strengthen the regulator’s ability to use advanced analytics in supervision and enforcement.
Driving Digital Transformation at the FCA
Since taking office, Jessica Rusu has overseen an ambitious digital transformation programme. Among her priorities are:
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Modernising Data Infrastructure: Replacing legacy systems with scalable cloud platforms to improve data access, quality and integration across the FCA.
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Intelligence and Analytics: Expanding the use of machine learning and advanced analytics to detect misconduct, market abuse and financial crime more effectively.
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Innovation Services: Strengthening initiatives such as the FCA’s Regulatory Sandbox and Digital Sandbox, allowing fintech firms to experiment with new products in safe and controlled environments.
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Open Collaboration: Building partnerships with technology providers, academic researchers and other regulators to ensure the FCA benefits from the best expertise available.
These reforms are aimed at making the FCA a digitally enabled regulator, capable of responding faster and more intelligently to risks and opportunities in financial markets.
Championing Artificial Intelligence
One of Jessica Rusu’s most visible contributions has been her leadership in exploring artificial intelligence within regulation. She has repeatedly emphasised that AI is both a source of opportunity and risk.
On the opportunity side, she recognises that AI can help firms provide more personalised products, improve fraud detection and automate compliance. On the risk side, she highlights issues such as bias in algorithms, lack of explainability, and systemic risks from over-reliance on automated systems.
Her approach has been pragmatic: the FCA under her leadership seeks to encourage innovation while ensuring safeguards are in place. Initiatives such as the “supercharged sandbox” in partnership with major technology firms illustrate this balance, providing space for AI innovation while maintaining regulatory oversight.
Public Engagement and Thought Leadership
Jessica Rusu has been an active speaker at major industry events, using her platform to outline the FCA’s priorities and to encourage open dialogue with financial institutions, technology firms and policymakers.
Her speeches at events such as City Week and the Innovate Finance Global Summit have consistently stressed the importance of proportionate regulation—rules that protect consumers and markets without stifling innovation. She has also spoken candidly about the need for regulators themselves to be innovative, adopting new tools and approaches rather than relying solely on traditional methods.
This openness has contributed to her reputation as a modern regulator: one who listens, collaborates and adapts in real time to technological change.
Board Roles and Wider Influence
In addition to her FCA role, Jessica Rusu contributes her expertise to several other organisations. She sits on the board of Companies House, where she advises on data and digital transformation. She has also been involved with the Payment Systems Regulator and academic institutions such as Cambridge University Press & Assessment.
These positions extend her influence beyond financial regulation, shaping broader conversations about data governance, innovation and trust in digital systems.
Impact on Financial Services
The presence of a leader like Jessica Rusu at the FCA has had a profound impact on how financial services firms approach compliance and innovation. Her emphasis on data quality, responsible AI and forward-looking regulation encourages firms to align their technology strategies with regulatory expectations.
Importantly, her leadership helps bridge the gap between fintech innovators and traditional regulators. By providing sandboxes and open dialogue, she has reduced the friction that often exists between new entrants and supervisory authorities.
Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Jessica Rusu continues to champion the idea of the FCA as a data-driven regulator. Her focus on harnessing technology is likely to shape the regulator’s response to emerging challenges such as:
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The growing role of AI in investment advice and risk management.
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The increasing complexity of cross-border digital finance.
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The need to balance consumer protection with support for innovation.
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The resilience of financial infrastructure in the face of cyber threats.
Her long-term vision is for the FCA to remain agile, proactive and trusted—qualities that are essential in a fast-changing global financial landscape.
Conclusion
Jessica Rusu stands out as one of the most influential figures in modern financial regulation. Her career path from corporate analytics to challenger banking to regulatory leadership illustrates the value of combining data expertise with a commitment to public service.
By modernising the FCA’s approach to technology, she is ensuring that the regulator can keep pace with innovation while continuing to protect consumers and markets. Her work exemplifies how forward-thinking leadership can transform regulatory institutions into engines of progress rather than obstacles to change.
