Finder hires former CBA, Westpac exec to spearhead Finder app growth

A former executive from two of Australia's biggest banks has joined the ranks at comparison site Finder, tasked with taking the fast-growing Finder app to new heights.

Ben Nicholls brings to Finder over 16 years of experience in finance, including leading the development of new products and services for Commonwealth Bank and Westpac. Nicholls will apply his deep knowledge of Australians' banking and financial needs to help users make smarter financial decisions and save money with the recently launched Finder app.

Since its March 2020 release, app downloads have surpassed 80,000, cementing its position as one of the fastest growing personal finance apps in Australia.

Finder Australia's CEO Chris Ellis said the exponential growth of the app in Australia has been spurred by the economic fallout from COVID-19.

"Money management – and maximising savings – has never been more important to Australians. Finder app downloads have exceeded expectations during the pandemic and feedback is very encouraging with more than 500 reviews in the Google Play and iOS app stores and ratings of 4.4 and 4.8 respectively.

"We're excited to have attracted someone of Ben's calibre to lead the growth of the Finder app and deliver on our vision to help Australians make better financial decisions," Ellis said.

To date, the Finder app has helped users find $38.7 million collectively in potential savings or an average of $2,941 each in the first year.

Nicholls said he can't wait to help more Australians with their financial decision-making.

"I look forward to hearing from the 80,000-plus Australians already using the Finder app on how we can further help them make better financial decisions every day, and encouraging more to do the same.

"We are focused on helping more Australians make the most of their money in order to do more of the things that they love. By integrating their free credit score with all of their banking, credit and investment accounts, we can provide compelling insights on their spending habits and automatically alert them to savings," said Nicholls.

At the forefront of technology innovation at Westpac, Nicholls led the development of global-first technologies to help customers pay for goods and services through their phones, including precursors to Apple Pay/Samsung Pay, as well as cardless cash withdrawals at ATMs and card acceptance on mobile phones.

Finder's co-founder Fred Schebesta said Nicholls' background in pioneering technology solutions is a coup for the company ahead of its ambitious plans for the app in 2021.

"I'm super excited to work with Ben on building the most innovative money app in Australia and the world. Ben's background in applying cutting-edge technology solutions to financial services makes him well-placed to take the Finder app closer to a 'one-click switch' future. This will make it easier for Aussies to get a better, single view of their finances and switch their products seamlessly – all from their mobile device.

"We can't wait to work with Ben to roll out the app in other markets – including the US and UK – in the next 12 months."

To learn more about the Finder app visit: www.finder.com.au/app