Banking & Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI) has announced the appointment of three new directors to its Leadership Team. Niamh O’Donnellan has been appointed Director of Regulation & Supervision, Richard Walsh as Director of Industry Collaboration & Innovation and Olivia Buckley as Director of Public Affairs.
Speaking about today’s announcement Brian Hayes, BPFI Chief Executive said: “I look forward to working with Niamh, Richard and Olivia in their new roles bringing as they do a fresh perspective and expertise to the BPFI leadership team.
Effective as of January 1st, 2020 the appointments coincide with the forthcoming retirements of Felix O’Regan, formerly Director of Public Affairs and Maurice Crowley, formerly Director of Banking & Payments. The BPFI Chief Executive said: “I would like to thank Felix and Maurice for their significant contribution and commitment to the organisation and the banking and financial services sector in Ireland”.
Niamh O’Donnellan joined BPFI in 2016 as Head of EU Affairs. Based in Brussels she engaged on all policy and regulation originating from the European Union Institutions and related bodies/agencies. Niamh previously held roles in both the European Parliament as an advisor to the former Chair of the Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee and also the Council of Ministers as a member of the Presidency team during the Irish Presidency 2013 in Brussels. Niamh also worked as a Strategic Consultant advising financial services companies on regulatory and policy developments of relevance to the financial sector and how to engage with the European Union institutions on such matters. She holds an MSc in Economics and Finance, a degree in International Commerce and Italian and a diploma in French Language and Culture.
Richard Walsh joined BPFI in 2017 as Head of Digital and Payments working to formulate positions and responses to Digital and Payment policy and regulation at national, EU, and international level. Before joining BPFI, Richard was CEO for FinTech & Payments Association of Ireland (FPAI) and managed the merger of the association into BPFI. In the years prior to this Richard provided consultancy in the development of digital commerce strategies for companies such as RBS/NatWest, Telefónica Group, Bank of Ireland, Monitise and Three Ireland. Richard has a degree in Mathematics from Trinity College Dublin.
Olivia Buckley is a strategic communications and public affairs specialist who has worked with leading Irish companies and organisations for over 20 years. She has worked with a diverse range of national and multinational clients in sectors including taxation, manufacturing, agri-business, politics and privately-owned Irish enterprises. Ms. Buckley has led a number of campaigns, including on EU referenda in Ireland and has been an adviser to key groups in Ireland and the UK on Brexit. She is an established media commentator and contributor on business, enterprise and economic issues. She holds a B.Sc. Management (TCD) and a Diploma in Strategy and Innovation from UCD Smurfit School.
Note: Banking & Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI) represents the banking, payments and fintech sector in Ireland. Together with its affiliates, the Federation of International Banks in Ireland and the Fintech & Payments Association of Ireland, BPFI has 100 member institutions and associates, including licensed domestic and foreign banks and institutions operating in the financial marketplace here.
Contact: Russell Bryce, BPFI, tel 01-6715311
