Ian Corfield: A Visionary Leader in British Financial Services – From Restructuring to CEO at Secure Trust Bank
From Restructuring Expert to CEO: Ian Corfield's Leadership Journey in the UK Financial Sector
Introduction:
Ian Corfield is a distinguished British financial services executive known for his vast experience in corporate restructuring, banking, and advisory roles. Over the course of his career, Corfield has worked with some of the most prominent financial institutions globally, showcasing his leadership in reshaping businesses and driving growth. With a career that spans across various sectors, including his recent appointment as the CEO of Secure Trust Bank, Ian Corfield’s journey exemplifies resilience, strategy, and innovation.
Quick Bio
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ian Corfield |
| Nationality | British |
| Current Position | CEO, Secure Trust Bank |
| Past Roles | CEO of Aussie Home Loans, CEO of Retail and Business Banking at Bankwest, Chief Commercial Officer at NewDay, Partner at FRP Advisory |
| Notable Contributions | Expanding market share at NewDay, restructuring businesses in crisis, leading Secure Trust Bank through its next phase of growth |
Early Life and Education
Ian Corfield’s early years are a testament to his dedication and commitment to excellence. Although personal details about his early life remain relatively private, it is clear that Corfield’s career was shaped by a solid academic foundation. He graduated from the University of Warwick, one of the UK’s leading institutions, where he honed his skills in business and finance. Corfield’s pursuit of professional qualifications, including becoming a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales and a licensed Insolvency Practitioner, further solidified his expertise in the financial sector. These qualifications have played a key role in his success, giving him the technical and practical knowledge required to navigate complex financial landscapes.
Career Beginnings: From Banking to Restructuring
Corfield’s professional journey began in the UK banking sector, where he held various roles that allowed him to build a robust understanding of financial operations. He began his career with HBOS Plc, a major player in the British banking scene, where he honed his skills in both corporate finance and commercial banking. However, his career trajectory truly began to take shape when he transitioned to more senior roles in the Australian financial services industry.
As the CEO of Aussie Home Loans, Corfield made significant strides in expanding the company’s market presence. His leadership was instrumental in increasing the company’s footprint in the highly competitive Australian mortgage sector. This success was just the beginning, as Corfield later became the CEO of Retail and Business Banking at Bankwest, a position that helped him further develop his expertise in managing large-scale banking operations and executing business transformations.
Notable Leadership at NewDay
One of Corfield’s most notable achievements came during his tenure as Chief Commercial Officer at NewDay, one of the UK’s largest credit card issuers. From 2014 to 2023, Corfield led strategic initiatives that expanded the company’s offerings and its reach within the UK financial market. Under his leadership, NewDay significantly increased its market share and developed a strong reputation for innovation in the consumer credit space.
Corfield’s ability to lead NewDay through times of market uncertainty proved his knack for steering companies through turbulent financial waters. His strategic insights and forward-thinking approach played a pivotal role in shaping NewDay’s evolution, positioning the company for continued growth in an increasingly digital world. This phase of his career also helped him build a strong network and reputation as a trusted advisor in the financial services industry.
Transition to Corporate Restructuring and FRP Advisory
In 2020, Corfield joined FRP Advisory, a UK-based firm specializing in corporate restructuring and insolvency services. As a partner in the firm’s Restructuring Advisory team, he focused on debt advisory, financial restructuring, and managing stakeholder relations. During this time, Corfield worked on numerous high-profile cases, advising distressed companies and helping them navigate through financial difficulties. His expertise in corporate recovery made him a go-to advisor for companies in need of a turnaround strategy.
Corfield’s experience in corporate restructuring deepened his understanding of the broader economic landscape and the complexities of managing financial crises. His ability to devise strategic solutions for struggling businesses further reinforced his position as a seasoned leader in the financial services sector.
Stepping into Leadership at Secure Trust Bank
In 2025, Ian Corfield’s career reached a new milestone when he was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Secure Trust Bank, a UK-based specialist lender. His appointment followed the resignation of former CEO David McReadie, and Corfield’s vast experience in both banking and restructuring made him the ideal candidate to lead the company into its next phase of growth. His leadership is expected to bring a fresh perspective to Secure Trust Bank, which has traditionally focused on providing personal loans, savings products, and mortgages.
Corfield’s strategic vision for Secure Trust Bank is grounded in leveraging digital technologies to enhance customer experiences and improve operational efficiency. His approach to growth and innovation aligns with the bank’s long-term goals of strengthening its position in the competitive UK financial market.
Ian Corfield’s Business Ventures and Affiliations
Beyond his corporate roles, Corfield has maintained an active presence in public policy and advisory roles. He has served as a trustee at Demos, a UK-based think tank, and as a senior partner at Flint Global, advising on policy, political, and regulatory issues in the financial services sector. His contributions to these organizations reflect his commitment to shaping the future of financial services and advocating for policies that benefit businesses and consumers alike.
Latest News: Ian Corfield’s Ongoing Leadership at Secure Trust Bank
Ian Corfield’s appointment as CEO of Secure Trust Bank comes at a time of significant change in the UK banking sector. With the growing demand for digital banking solutions, Corfield’s focus will be on enhancing the bank’s digital infrastructure and customer engagement strategies. His leadership is expected to drive both organic and inorganic growth, enabling Secure Trust Bank to expand its offerings and attract new customers in a highly competitive market.
Conclusion
Ian Corfield’s career is a testament to his exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and unwavering commitment to innovation in the financial services industry. From his early days in banking to his pivotal role at Secure Trust Bank, Corfield’s journey reflects a continuous drive for excellence and transformation. As he steps into his new role as CEO, all eyes will be on his ability to lead Secure Trust Bank through a rapidly evolving financial landscape.
FAQs
1. What is Ian Corfield’s current role?
Ian Corfield is the CEO of Secure Trust Bank, a UK-based specialist lender.
2. What did Ian Corfield do at NewDay?
At NewDay, Corfield served as Chief Commercial Officer, driving the company’s growth in the UK credit card market.
3. How did Ian Corfield impact FRP Advisory?
At FRP Advisory, Corfield played a key role in advising distressed companies on financial restructuring and debt management.
4. What are Ian Corfield’s main career highlights?
Corfield’s career highlights include leading Aussie Home Loans and Bankwest, expanding NewDay’s market share, and now leading Secure Trust Bank as CEO.
5. What is Ian Corfield’s leadership style?
Corfield is known for his strategic vision, resilience in times of market uncertainty, and his focus on innovation and customer experience.
