Tony Hobman is currently chief executive of the Pensions Regulator and has held a number of senior appointments within the financial services arena. He spent 20 years with Barclays Bank, and has been chief executive of ProShare, the Money Channel plc and the Occupational Pensions Regulatory Authority.
CFEB was established by the Financial Services Act, which received Royal Assent on Friday 9 April, to enhance the public's understanding and knowledge of financial services and their ability to manage their own money matters.
Hector Sants, FSA chief executive, said: "I am delighted that Tony is to become chief executive of the Consumer Financial Education Body at this pivotal time, as the new body is established to deliver national roll out of the Money Guidance service.
"The creation of a separate agency emphasises the importance of financial education in improving the effectiveness of the UK's financial market for consumers. CFEB will be able to take a leading role in improving consumer understanding of money matters and, in turn, help to improve consumer confidence in financial services."
CFEB will take responsibility for the national roll out of the Money Guidance service, delivered under the Moneymadeclear brand. The service allows people to speak to trained money guides who will assist them with their money issues. A full national roll-out of the face-to-face service is due to be in place later in 2010.
The new body will also be continuing the programme of work established by the FSA's financial capability division, including projects to help school children, young people, students, employees, new parents, and other targeted groups of consumers such as people facing redundancy, approaching retirement and those via its work with non-profit organisations.
Chris Pond, currently FSA director of financial capability, will become an FSA senior adviser working with both the FSA and CFEB.
