The Payment Systems Regulator (PSR), the UK’s specialist regulator for payments, has appointed Natalie Timan to the newly created role of Head of Strategy Analysis and Monitoring. Natalie starts work at the PSR on 6 September 2021.

Strategy Analysis and Monitoring is a new division at the PSR which has been created to monitor the markets the regulator oversees, gather intelligence, provide analytical thinking, develop how the PSR uses data, and lead on the delivery of the PSR Strategy.

Natalie joins the PSR from the BBC where she was Chief Economist; before this she was Director of Economics at the Competition and Markets Authority.

As the Head of Strategy Analysis and Monitoring Natalie will be a member of the PSR’s Executive Committee (ExCo), Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and will routinely attend PSR Board Meetings.

Natalie will lead on the development and evolution of the PSR’s Strategy, which was launched for consultation in June, and will be responsible for advising on how the regulator’s workplan fits with its longer-term goals.

Natalie will also be responsible for establishing and maintaining the PSR’s framework for monitoring how payment systems are supporting improved outcomes for users. She will also help improve how the PSR uses data and analysis to increase its understanding of the market and the effectiveness of its regulatory interventions.

Natalie Timan said:

“I’m delighted to be joining the PSR. The PSR’s work is having a real impact in a number of important areas – on access to cash, on payment scams, on competition enforcement and in shaping the future of payments.

“With the PSR’s new Strategy recently published for consultation, it’s an exciting time to join the organisation.”

Chris Hemsley, the PSR’s managing director, said:

“I’m delighted to welcome Natalie to the PSR; she joins us at an important time. Changes in society and the economy mean the payments landscape is shifting. What people and businesses want is changing over time, while technological change and the impacts of the global pandemic are also affecting how we all make and think about payments.

“In our new Strategy we set out an ambitious set of priorities to improve how payments work for us all. A key part of Natalie’s role will be helping turn that strategic vision into a reality, and we can’t wait for her to get started.”

Biographical information

• Chief Economist, BBC: January 2019 – September 2020
• Director of Economics, Competition and Markets Authority (CMA): April 2014 – December 2018
• Director of Economics, Goods and Consumer, Office of Fair Trading (OFT): June 2013 – March 2014