Welcoming Catherine Foot to the Financial Inclusion Commission

We are delighted to welcome Catherine Foot as a new Commissioner at the Financial Inclusion Commission.

Catherine brings a wealth of experience and a sharp policy lens to the Commission at a critical time for financial inclusion in the UK. As Director of the Standard Life Centre for the Future of Retirement—a leading think tank dedicated to helping everyone achieve long-term financial security—she is already at the forefront of national conversations on pensions, inequality, and the economic impact of our ageing population.

Catherine’s career has spanned roles in health, social care, housing, and employment policy, with a strong track record of championing inclusion and evidence-based change. Before establishing her current think tank in 2021 (formerly known as Phoenix Insights), she served as the founding Director of Evidence at the Centre for Ageing Better, a national charity committed to addressing inequality in later life. Throughout her career, she has been a consistent voice for older people’s inclusion and dignity across society.

In her current work, Catherine is campaigning for a fairer and more inclusive pension system—one that ensures everyone in the UK can save adequately, access high-quality advice and decision-making support, and rely on a strong safety net in retirement. Her focus aligns with the Commission’s goals, especially at a time when millions still remain excluded from pension saving or lack the tools and protections to manage their retirement securely.

Speaking about her appointment, Catherine said:

“I’m thrilled to be joining the Financial Inclusion Commission at such a pivotal time for financial inclusion in the UK. While the policy of automatic enrolment has brought millions more workers into regular pension saving over the last decade, too many people still remain excluded from this system, and defined contribution pensions leave savers exposed to all of the risks associated with managing their money throughout retirement, without access to the services they need to support them in their decision-making. We have to do better for future generations of retirees, and the voice and expertise of the Financial Inclusion Commission will be hugely important in the months and years ahead to urge policymakers, regulators and the financial services industry to focus on these critical challenges.”

We are excited to have Catherine join us and look forward to the insight, energy, and expertise she will bring to our work.