In conversation with... Nick Smith

What was your journey to your role today, would you say it’s been a typical career path?

I’m not sure there’s any one typical career path, but for me, I’ve always sought to be in a role where I’ve been building or growing something, and been opportunistic when something exciting showed up! As such, I guess I’m lucky that I’ve rarely found myself looking for the next role, with each exciting step in my career coming about relatively organically.

If you weren’t working in credit and financial services, what would you be doing?

The dream answer is professional tennis player, but given everyone my age has retired from tennis (even if I had been anywhere near good enough!) I think maybe I’d have my own wine shop…

What is something that not many people know about you?

In something of a career “sliding doors” moment, my first step in to Financial Services very nearly didn’t happen, as I almost joined the MoD instead.

What is the most significant challenge facing the credit/financial services industry today?

Adapting to AI-driven consumer behavioural changes, creating an even more rapidly changing market than we saw through the proliferation of the internet.

Which session or theme at Credit Week are you most looking forward to, and why?

Sir Vince Cable’s sessions have been must-see content over the past couple of years, and I’m very excited to see him on the speaker list again!

What trend or development are you excited about in the credit /FSsector?

It will be fascinating to see the role that AI can play in the advisory sector as we move forwards

What do you hope to take away from Credit Week 2026?

Loads! Insights from peers, inspiration from adjacent industry sectors, and hopefully some new networks too.

What advice would you give to someone who’s starting their career in the industry?

Three things:

1. Be curious

2. Build, don’t babysit

3. If an opportunity looks exciting – go for it!

Join Nick at Credit Week 2026!