Parker has held a number of senior positions in the public and private sectors. These include head of general insurance of the Association of British Insurers, where he led negotiations with Treasury on changes to the terrorism insurance market post 9/11, helped create the General Insurance Standards Council and led negotiations with the FSA on the introduction of statutory regulation of general insurance.
He joins FISA from the Environment Agency where he is head of flood defence investment and funding, responsible for the financial management of the £500m spent annually on flood defence.
Parker will take up the role on 8 May and will continue to champion the role of FISA in the secured loans market and its commitment to helping and supporting members.
Bernard Barwick, chairman of FISA, said: “FISA has a pedigree and position in the market that demands exceptional leadership and that is what we have in John. John’s experience will be invaluable in offering a strategic insight into the development of the association in years to come. The secured loans market has undergone a remarkable period of growth and development over recent years and it’s essential that the association continues to lead the debate and offer guidance with consistency and clarity.”
Parker commented: “There is no doubt that FISA remains one of the finance industry’s most effective and influential trade associations. It is therefore a great honour to be given the challenge of leading the association into its next phase of development. The secured loans sector is entering an exciting new era by making inroads into the remortgage market and opportunities to capitalise on changes to the CCA in April next year. Furthermore, with Lender and Broker members that span the spectrum of the industry, my role has a broad remit and responsibility. I’m looking forward immensely to the challenges that this presents.”
