Hargreaves Lansdown Hires Two Vanguard Executives to Lead Technology Overhaul #

Hargreaves Lansdown (HL), the UK’s largest direct-to-consumer investment and savings platform, has named two senior executives to lead its technology and transformation work, both joining from US asset manager Vanguard.

According to the company’s announcement, Charles Thompson will become Chief Technology Officer and Michael Finnegan will take up the role of Chief Transformation Officer, adding to HL’s Executive Committee as the firm speeds up delivery of its strategy. Both will be based in Bristol. Investment Week reported that the pair join from September, with Thompson’s start on 1 September 2026 subject to regulatory approval.

The two hires replace departing executives Richard Hebdon, Chief Digital and Technology Officer, and Darren Worth, Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer, who are due to leave the business later this year. HL said both outgoing executives will remain for a transition period to support an orderly handover.

Thompson joins from Vanguard, where he most recently served as Principal and Divisional CIO for Advice and Wealth Management, having previously led technology across the firm’s international operations in the Asia-Pacific region, Europe and the Americas. Earlier in his career he held senior technology roles at National Australia Bank. Finnegan spent roughly eight years at Vanguard in a range of senior positions, most recently as Head of Wealth Planning and Partnerships, and previously as Head of International Strategy and Chief of Staff for the international business and CFO for the Americas.

HL described the appointments in terms of its aim to help more clients shift from saving to investing, pointing to the higher levels of retail investment participation seen in the US market, where digital platforms, data and client engagement have been central. The moves come alongside a record £100m investment planned for FY26, targeting AI and data infrastructure, improved mobile and web capability, and greater operational efficiency.

In statements released by the company, Thompson said he was excited to lead the build of new technology capability, resilience and digital experiences, while Finnegan pointed to what he described as a major opportunity to help people invest for their future and to move faster for clients.

HL currently serves more than two million clients and holds close to £200bn in assets under administration, according to the announcement.

Source: IFA Magazine