On Wednesday 9th September 2026, Rimbal, the UK’s leading platform for supporting independent financial advice firms, announced the appointment of Simon Black as its Chief Commercial Officer. This appointment comes in the wake of the company’s rapid growth in recent years and its continued success in building and operating intelligent infrastructure for independent financial advice firms.
With over 25 years of experience in building and scaling technology-led businesses, Simon brings a wealth of expertise to Rimbal. He began his career at major software firms such as IBM, HP, and Autonomy before joining enterprise automation platform Bizagi. He later co-founded AI firm Awaken Intelligence and has since led its international expansion. Simon was also instrumental in scaling the company to a multimillion-pound business before it merged with a US counterpart to form Creovai, which was later acquired by AI platform Capacity. His deep understanding of technology, AI, and operational insight will be invaluable as Rimbal continues to grow and expand its market reach.
Currently, the Rimbal platform supports over 300 independent financial advice firms in the UK through its service propositions, including the award-winning IFA network ValidPath. As Chief Commercial Officer, Simon’s responsibilities will include driving platform growth and commercialization, as well as launching new service propositions that support financial advisers in adopting practical, responsible AI applications.
Simon will also play a key role in developing and delivering value-added client services for firms and clients across the platform. In addition, he will spearhead the expansion of the Rimbal platform into new markets within the financial advice sector, including Fintechs and other operators looking to enter the market.
Simon’s appointment follows the recent hiring of Brian Wagner as Chief Technology Officer and other strategic hires by Rimbal as the company continues to experience rapid growth and shape the future of financial advice.
Angus MacNee, CEO of Rimbal, expressed his excitement about the appointment, stating, “AI is transforming the way independent financial advice is delivered, and at Rimbal, we are committed to building the operating system and intelligent infrastructure that will enable independent financial advice firms to deliver better client outcomes – compliantly, efficiently, and at scale – now and in the future.” He added, “Simon’s background in AI, technology, and business growth and transformation is a very exciting combination as we work towards a future where personalized, independent financial advice is universally accessible through human-led and responsible AI. This is a powerful combination for the financial advice industry, with better margins for firms, better outcomes for more clients, and a larger market for delivering both. Simon’s appointment as Chief Commercial Officer is another step in our journey to deliver more value for firms, clients, and the industry as a whole.”
Simon Black, Chief Commercial Officer at Rimbal, said, “These are exciting times for Rimbal and the financial advice sector. We firmly believe that AI will revolutionize how financial advice is delivered, making it more accessible and personalized at scale. With humans at the center of the process and independence remaining a critical factor, AI will power the infrastructure that makes it all possible. I am thrilled to be a part of what Rimbal is building and the opportunity to make a positive impact for independent firms and their clients.”
About Rimbal
Rimbal is a national platform for independent financial advice firms. The company’s branded service propositions allow independent firms to run on its infrastructure and leverage its technology and resources to improve their local operations, grow their business, and deliver better client outcomes. Currently, Rimbal’s platform supports over 300 independent financial advice firms across the UK through its service propositions, including the award-winning IFA network ValidPath.
