Finastra Welcomes Chris Walters as New Chief Executive Officer

Finastra, a global leader in financial services software, has announced a major leadership change. After nearly ten years of transformative leadership, Simon Paris is stepping down as CEO. The company has welcomed Chris Walters, who will take over as CEO, marking the beginning of a new chapter for Finastra.

Chris Walters: A Visionary Leader Joins Finastra

Chris Walters brings extensive experience in driving innovation and scaling technology-focused organizations. He previously served as CEO of Pluralsight and Avantax, where he led significant performance improvements and oversaw a successful company sale. His career also includes leadership roles such as Partner at McKinsey & Company and COO of Bloomberg Industry Verticals Group. Walters’ expertise is expected to propel Finastra toward its next phase of growth and innovation.

On his appointment, Chris said, “I'm excited to join Finastra at this pivotal moment in its journey and am impressed by the significant progress that has been made during Simon's leadership. I look forward to working with the talented team to drive sustainable growth and continue to deliver more value to our customers, team members, and investors.”

Simon Paris: A Decade of Milestones

Under Simon Paris’ leadership, Finastra has achieved remarkable milestones that have solidified its position as a global financial technology leader. Key accomplishments during his tenure include:

> Pioneering Open Finance: Following the merger of Misys and D+H in 2017, Simon spearheaded efforts to establish Finastra as a leader in Open Finance.

> Expanding Global Reach: The company now serves over 8,000 clients across 130 countries, including 45 of the world’s top 50 banks.

> Advancing Generative AI: Finastra has gained recognition for its leadership in Generative AI, with all employees upskilled and nearly 50 AI-driven capabilities moving from ideation to production.

> Garnering Accolades: The company received numerous awards for its products, culture, and leadership, ranking as the #1 Banking Technology company and the #2 Financial Technology company in 2024.

> Achieving Financial Growth: Finastra reported record financial performance, with double-digit Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) growth under Simon’s guidance.

Smooth Transition for Continued Success

As Finastra gears up for its next strategic sprint in 2025, the company is well-positioned for sustained growth. Simon Paris and Chris Walters will work closely during the transition period to ensure a seamless handover. With a strong foundation and a new visionary leader at the helm, Finastra is set to continue its journey of innovation and excellence.

Simon reflected on his tenure, saying, “This journey with Finastra has been a privilege. Chris is a seasoned professional, and I am honoured to 'pass the baton' to him. I leave incredibly proud of what Finastra has achieved so far and excited for the company's future under Chris's leadership.”