"It's Closing Time"
Dear Tech Whanua, Friends, and Colleagues,
As I sit here preparing to book my flight, I reflect on the incredible journey I’ve had in Aotearoa over the past nearly 12 years. With a mix of excitement and nostalgia, I write this farewell letter, as the time has come for me to return to the UK.
My experience in New Zealand has been nothing short of transformative. I’ve had the privilege of meeting amazing people and forging lifelong friendships, and I will carry these memories with me as I embark on my next chapter. There are a few highlights I'd like to share that truly encapsulate my time here.
Co-founding FinTech NZ has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my career, and I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Jason, Grame, and Mitchell for their support and vision. Together, we've made strides in building a strong fintech community that I know will continue to thrive under the expert tutelage of Jason Roberts.
I also had the unique opportunity to serve as a tech advisor during the Free Trade Agreement discussions, working alongside Laura Clarke and presenting to select committees. Collaborating with such brilliant minds and contributing to the discourse of Aotearoa will shape the future of New Zealand, was a privilege.
My work with various leaders, including Jacinda Ardern , Hon Judith Collins KC MP , and Christopher Luxon , has been challenging and eye-opening. It has taught me invaluable lessons about leadership, resilience, and the importance of community engagement. Additionally, I've been honoured to be the Deputy Chair of Transparency International and sit on the British New Zealand Business Association board, where I’ve sought to promote integrity and innovation.
Traveling internationally to share the New Zealand Fintech story has been a personal highlight. I’ve had the chance to represent our vibrant community in the UK, Singapore, Australia, and Hong Kong. These delegations have allowed me to advocate for our industry and build bridges for future collaborations, which are now beginning to thrive. My attention will turn to helping UK companies enter the APAC region utilizing my extensive network.
I often reflect on my time speaking on national TV and radio, particularly when discussing the incident involving the government hacking, while I was walking on the beach in Fiji. It was a reminder of the ever-evolving landscape of technology and the need for continued vigilance and innovation, something I hope the Government will be more open to going forward.
Creating the first FinTech Hui in Queenstown and hosting memorable events, including that unforgettable boat party that closed out the day, left a significant mark on my journey. The countless Fintech events I organised and participated in—with organisations such as
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Financial Services Council , Federation Financial Services , BlockchainNZ , AI Forum NZ , and Digital Identity NZ —have been instrumental in fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing in our sector.
Moreover, producing the first Aotearoa Open banking and Fintech reports in collaboration with Deloitte and my work on the Fintech Technology Investment Network report are achievements that I hold close to my heart. These initiatives are aimed at providing insights that drive our industry forward, and it is great to see them become an annual thing.
Looking ahead, I am excited to dive into my next project—connecting the UK with New Zealand and the wider APAC region. I am committed to continuing the work I have started here and ensuring that the bonds I have built remain strong across the globe.
Thank you all for the incredible journey, (you know who you all are) the laughs, the tears, the frustration, and the learning experiences. I will miss Aotearoa and all of you greatly, but I carry forward with the hope of reconnecting soon from the other side of the world.
With warmest regards and heartfelt gratitude,
The Godfather of Fintech
Haere ra
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Best wishes for your next digital chapter James, safe travels.
Sales Manager - New Zealand
1 个月What the!!! James Anthony Brown you have been so fun! I will miss your face as will many of your triathlon friends. Best wishes my friend ??
I will be attending the FSC conference and I am looking forward to the agenda, thanks to David Bishop I will get to see most of you before I leave.
Technology Lawyer | Partner at Hudson Gavin Martin | Co-Chair of Fintech NZ
1 个月It’s been a blast James - thanks for all the hard work, dedication and good humour you’ve brought to our fintech community. I still remember our first coffee chat back in 2017 - having just arrived back from the UK it was great to hear someone so passionate about the sector here, and it has really gone from strength to strength since then. Sad to see you go, but I’m sure the journey back to the homeland will be a successful one!
Head of New Zealand senior leader, responsible for co-creating and executing a clearly defined go-to-market and sales strategy for New Zealand.
1 个月Bonne Chance James. Glad to have made your acquaintance.