James Alexander

James Alexander is a leading authority on digital disruption and financial innovation, best known as the co-founder and former CEO of Zopa. By launching the world’s first peer-to-peer lending service, he pioneered the collaborative finance model that served as a blueprint for the modern sharing economy. His extensive background in digital banking includes serving as Strategy Director for Egg, where he oversaw rapid UK expansion and entry into the US market, and contributing to the development of Smile at LEK Consulting. Currently, he shares his expertise as a Partner at The Foundation and Director of the Future Agenda think tank. Beyond the financial sector, James is a dedicated advocate for environmental sustainability and social responsibility. He serves as the Chair of Environmental Finance and launched the #voiceoftheplanet movement at the World Economic Forum 2019. His previous roles as a trustee for the RSPB and Suffolk Wildlife Trust demonstrate his long-standing commitment to conservation. He continues to advise a diverse portfolio of organisations, including Seedrs, Giffgaff Gameplan, and Loot, helping them navigate complex growth challenges. As a speaker, James offers a compelling narrative of entrepreneurial success combined with foresight into the future of global industries. Audiences value his ability to translate his experience in founding and scaling disruptive businesses into practical strategies for innovation and long-term sustainability. On stage, James Alexander is best known for talks on Digital Business & Strategy, Financial Services, Energy & Sustainability, Esg & Social Responsibility and Strategy. Audiences leave with a clear, practical view of the subject rather than a generic overview — every keynote is shaped around the brief and the room. Their work resonates with leaders across Business & Consulting, Finance & Economics and Sustainability & Environment, where the themes translate directly into team decisions, customer experience and growth strategy. James Alexander is regularly booked for Business Speaker and Conference Speaker, adapting tone, length and format to suit the event — from a 20-minute opener to a full conference keynote with Q&A. Based in UK, James Alexander travels internationally for engagements. To check availability or request a tailored brief for your event, send an enquiry and we'll come back with fees, dates and a short summary of how James Alexander would approach your audience.