Financial institution Open Banking Limited appoints Melanie Lazarus as their new Ecosystem Engagement Director.
Melanie Lazarus Joins Open Banking Limited as Ecosystem Engagement Director
Melanie Lazarus has taken on a new role as Ecosystem Engagement Director at Open Banking Limited (OBL), effective from 22 April, 2021. Lazarus brings her extensive experience in brand strategy, organisational transformation, and customer engagement to the company.
In her new position, Lazarus will focus on strengthening OBL's external relationships and engagement with key partners. She will oversee the evolution of the engagement strategy with partners across the Open Banking ecosystem, and play a pivotal role in supporting OBL's transition to a future entity.
As an Ecosystem Engagement Director, Lazarus' responsibilities will include stakeholder relationship management, brand development, thought leadership, digital engagement, and customer insights. Her role will involve building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders in the open banking ecosystem, including banks, third-party providers, regulators, and industry groups.
Lazarus will also drive collaboration and communication across the ecosystem to support the adoption and development of open banking standards and services. She will lead initiatives and events that engage the ecosystem to foster innovation, trust, and alignment in open banking activities. Acting as a strategic liaison between OBL and external partners, she will ensure that ecosystem needs are understood and met.
Lazarus joins OBL after serving as Brand and Marketing Strategy Director at Barclaycard Payments, where she led the strategic planning for the Barclaycard Payments brand ecosystem.
Lazarus is a member of the executive committee at OBL and has also joined the Open Banking Expo Awards 2025 judging panel. The Open Banking Expo Awards, in partnership with Raidiam, recognise and celebrate excellence in the open banking community. The winners of the awards will be announced at a ceremony on 21 October at the Business Design Centre in London.
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is expected to publish an Open Finance rollout 'roadmap' within a year, which aims to expand the open banking model to include new data types and services. This move is expected to further strengthen the role of Ecosystem Engagement Directors like Lazarus in driving collaboration and innovation within the open banking ecosystem.
- Melanie Lazarus, with her wealth of expertise in brand strategy and customer engagement, will focus on strengthening Open Banking Limited's (OBL) relationships with key partners.
- In her new role as Ecosystem Engagement Director, Lazarus will oversee the evolution of OBL's engagement strategy across the Open Banking ecosystem, ensuring alignment with the company's transition to a future entity.
- Lazarus' responsibilities at OBL will include managing stakeholder relationships, developing the brand, providing thought leadership, and leveraging digital engagement and customer insights.
- Lazarus will also drive collaboration and communication within the open banking ecosystem, supporting the adoption and development of open banking standards and services.
- As a member of OBL's executive committee and the Open Banking Expo Awards 2025 judging panel, Lazarus will play a significant role in recognizing and celebrating excellence in the open banking community, contributing to its growth and innovation.
