Nucleus adds to tech capabilities with new head of product development

Nucleus, the adviser-built wrap, has recruited Sam Hampton-Smith as head of product development to add to the platform’s technology capabilities.
Hampton-Smith has joined Nucleus from Edinburgh-based cybersecurity firm ZoneFox, where he was head of engineering and of user experience. An experienced technology professional, Hampton-Smith brings a strong track record of observing customer journeys and building technology propositions that subsequently improve upon the user experience for a range of different stakeholders.
Reporting into Andy Smith, chief technology officer, Hampton-Smith will be responsible for leading the development team at Nucleus, managing regular software releases and upgrades, as well as handling the technical design and testing of new functions.
The move bolsters Nucleus’ fintech experience and the company expects to make further hires in this space over the coming years as technology becomes ever more important to the finance industry. Chief executive David Ferguson was appointed by The Treasury in December 2016 as one of two regional fintech envoys for Scotland and also serves as chair of the board for FinTech Scotland.
Commenting on his appointment, Sam Hampton-Smith said: “Scotland is becoming a hub for businesses built with technology at the front and centre, and Nucleus is a big part of this. Financial services has often been criticised for being slow in implementing technology solutions that make things easier for both their customers and themselves. However, I am really looking forward to joining a company that not only understands this importance, but is also trying to use it to improve the customer experience.”
Andy Smith, chief technology officer at Nucleus, added: “This hire reinforces our desire to build a robust proposition that makes it easier for advisers and their clients to manage their finances. We fully expect to be increasing the headcount in our technology team over the coming months as it has now become such an important aspect of any business, let alone for financial services firms.
“There is a real talent pool to choose from when it comes to technology based roles here in Scotland and I believe this is one thing that is going to allow us to stand out in the future. Sam has a huge amount of fintech experience, and coupled with the strength we already have in the team, we have a real opportunity to continue building on and improving the proposition.”