Matt Elton
Matt has more than 20 years of international experience in the interaction of business and technology, understanding the implications of technology and regulatory change on business strategy, and identifying opportunities to use change to enable new business opportunities. Matt has worked with some of the largest companies in the UK, Europe, and Canada, as well as assisting smaller companies to achieve their ambitious growth aspirations. Today, Matt is focused on monetizing digital opportunities. Recognized as an expert in existing and emerging technologies and their impact on business strategies, Matt has a particular focus on Data Privacy, CyberSecurity, Risk Management, RegTech, WealthTech, AdvisorTech, and Regulation and Compliance.
How did you get to become an expert in your key topics?
I started my career with the Royal Mail Group in the UK, and was lucky enough to join the firm when the firm was first exploring how to offer internet facing services and as a result became heavily involved in helping the group to offer the services which people take for granted today, in a secure a reliable manner. I think this really shaped the first part of my career which was very much focused on using (cyber)security as a business-enabler rather than the inhibitor that it is often perceived to be. Later in my career, I had the opportunity to join a FinTech start-up which had ambitious growth aspirations – my goal was to ensure that the IT environment was able to support the growth of the company, and to enable the firm to internationalize, and to sign the enterprise-class clients that it so desired. The firm was highly successful in more than achieving its ambitions, and was eventually sold to a major player from the US. The whole experience was pivotal in shaping my career from then on.
What topic areas are you most passionate about?
My core focus areas today are Data Privacy, CyberSecurity, Risk Management, RegTech, and business growth. I have a particular passion about using security and regulatory change as a driver for business growth – offering the business services in a secure manner, while at the same time using technology to lowering costs, increasing margin and profitability, and turning what is so often perceived as a cost centre into a revenue centre.
Which influencers influence you within those key topics?
In the world of Data Privacy and Cybersecurity the first names I think of are Spiros Margaris, Jean-Baptiste Lefevre, David Clarke, and Shira Rubinoff. In the area of RegTech, there are so many names that I actively follow, including people like Conor Coughlan, Lucy Heavens, Nicola Cowburn, Urs Bolt, Dr. Subas Roy, Julian Fenwick, and plenty more.
Outside of key topics, who else influences you?
Other notable influencers that I make a point of following include people like Dr. Robin Kiera, Dr Efi Pylarinou, Dr. Sally Eaves, and Ronald van Loon.
How would you describe your offline influence?
I frequently speak at conferences and private events around the world on the use of technology in regulatory compliance. I have written numerous blog articles and white papers, both in my own name as well as on behalf of clients. I work with clients, both on business and technology strategies – particularly in ensuring the alignment of their technology strategies with business objectives.
If a brand wanted to work with you, which activities would you be most interested in collaborating on?
I am happy to write whitepapers, articles, interviews, speaking in person at conferences, as well as on webinars, and on video.
What’s your best source of information for getting ahead of a story?
What brands have you worked with?
Enterprise Ireland, Société Générale, Nikkei, LexisNexis Risk
Which non-paid activities would you be keen to take part in if the opportunity raised your profile or delivered value to your audience?
I am open to providing quotes, sharing or creating a social post, writing a product review or co-creating long form content. I am also keen to participate in a podcast, webinar or an online chat; speak at or attend an event.
What are your passions outside of work?
Family, Cooking, Electronics, DIY, Vegetable Gardening, Modern History, Ice Hockey
What would be the best way for a brand to contact you?
You can reach out to me on LinkedIn or Twitter