UK-based digital bank Zopa has appointed Jeremy Penzer, the former Head of Data Science at Visa Europe, as its new Chief Analytics Officer.
Penzer brings a wealth of experience, having spent approximately 18 months at Visa following a distinguished 15-year tenure at Capital One. Prior to his corporate career, he held a position in academia at the London School of Economics.
In his new role at Zopa, Penzer will lead a team of 80 specialists in data science, credit decision-making, and valuation. This strategic appointment comes as Zopa prepares to unveil a range of innovative products and services. The bank is known for its data-driven approach, employing advanced machine learning algorithms that facilitate rapid lending decisions—99% of approved loans receive credit approval in under five seconds.
Recently, Zopa has been testing its flagship current account in a beta phase, alongside a Generative AI initiative aimed at introducing a more personal touch to everyday banking interactions.
Penzer expressed his enthusiasm about joining Zopa, stating, “Zopa stands out as the only UK neobank successfully lending at scale, addressing all consumer lending and savings needs in one integrated platform. I am eager to elevate Zopa’s data and analytics capabilities as we advance into everyday banking and embark on our next growth phase.”
Originally making its mark as a pioneering peer-to-peer lender, Zopa transitioned to a traditional banking model in 2021, currently serving over 1.4 million customers and garnering £5.5 billion in deposits. With nearly 900 employees, the company has recently expanded its presence in London, doubling its office space with a move to a larger facility.