Fintech Leader Awarded OBE by Princess Royal

max taylor - journalist

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Sarah Williams-Gardener, Chair of FinTech Wales, attended Windsor Castle this week to receive her special Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE), following her inclusion in the 2025 New Year Honours.

The award was presented by Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal in recognition of Williams-Gardener’s contribution to developing a more inclusive fintech sector across Wales and the UK.

Acknowledged as a prominent advocate for innovation, and regional economic growth, Williams-Gardener has played a crucial role in the expansion of Wales’ fintech ecosystem.

With more than 30 years’ experience across public policy, technology and banking, Williams-Gardener spent 17 years at IBM, serving as Government Affairs Director UK in the latter stages.

She also developed skills and experience as part of the founding team of Starling bank.

Williams-Gardener has held a number of senior roles across her career, including a leadership position at Fair4All Finance as well as Interim CEO of the charity Hope for Children.

Appointed as the first CEO of FinTech Wales in 2020, she led a period of investment and growth before moving into the role of Chair in 2024. She also became a Non-Executive Director at the DVLA in the same year.

Her recognition in the Honours List also reflects her work in the charitable sector. Williams-Gardener has served as a board member of Surviving Economic Abuse for the last seven years.

Within this service, Williams-Gardener uses her experience of the finance sector to support vulnerable customers as well as innovate, using tools that are now widely implemented across financial services.

She also holds a number of non-executive and advisory roles, including positions with the Tata Group Translation Advisory Board and Business Beats Cancer Cymru, where she serves as Chair.

Sarah said: “I’m incredibly honoured to receive this OBE.

“It reflects the collective work of so many people across Wales and the UK who are committed to creating a fairer, more inclusive financial services sector.

“There is still much to do, but I’m proud of the progress we’ve made together.”

Sarah Jones, CEO at FinTech Wales said: “Sarah’s recognition in being awarded an OBE is so richly deserved.

“Her vision, leadership and unwavering commitment have made a profound difference not only to FinTech Wales, but to the wider financial services community in Wales and beyond.

“We are incredibly proud to see her receive this honour in person at Windsor Castle.”