The chief executive of FinTech Australia, Andrew Porter, has resigned less than four months into the job, saying his passion lies in building companies more than representing them.
Rehan D’Almeida, who started with the industry group as an intern five years ago, will now be in charge as general manager.
Mr Porter, a 20-year industry veteran who advises several local FinTech’s boards, was appointed to lead FinTech Australia in February as a replacement for former chief Rebecca Schot-Guppy, who departed for insurance giant IAG after two years at the helm.
On Tuesday, FinTechAus announced it had accepted Mr Porter’s resignation.
FinTech Australia chair Simone Joyce said Mr Porter had told the board that “working with the member body of FinTech Australia has been an absolute pleasure, but has made me realise that my passion for the space really lies in building fintechs via investment or direct involvement”.
“I am confident that I am leaving the organisation in great hands and wish Rehan all the best in the role of General Manager,” Mr Porter said.
Mr Porter had pledged to help the local industry reconnect after the pandemic and to advocate for a solution to the “debanking” problem when he took up the role.
But he was disappointed by the March budget which offered little for the sector and a federal election campaign that came and went without explicit commitments for FinTechs.
His unexpected departure this week has come less than a month out from FinTech Australia’s annual awards.
InnovationAus.com understands there is no immediate search for a new chief executive at FinTech Australia, which will instead be led by Mr D’Almeida as its general manager.
Mr D’Almeida joined FinTech Australia as a marketing intern in 2017 and has worked up to the role of head of strategic partnerships and marketing.
Ms Joyce said the FinTech Australia board had been impressed by Mr D’Almeida’s work.
“He was one of the key figures behind FinTech Australia’s growth over the past few years. Thanks to his work, FinTech Australia has exponentially grown both its member base and its partnership program, which now boasts over 400 members and 45 corporate partners,” Ms Joyce said.
She added he has the board’s confidence to take the organisation to “new heights”.
“Over the coming weeks, Rehan will be growing his team to broaden FinTech Australia’s expertise and capacity to bring increasing support and benefits to our members,” she said.
Mr Porter was contacted for comment.
Do you know more? Contact James Riley via Email.