We dig into the memory bank of the City’s great and good. Today, Mark Fairless, CEO at ClearBank Group, takes us through his career, from Tesco to fintech, in Square Mile and Me
CV
- Name: Mark Fairless
- Job title: CEO at ClearBank Group
- Previous roles: CFO at ClearBank; heritage CFO at M&G; earlier roles at Santander and Barclays Capital
- Age: 42
- Born: Milton Keynes
- Lives: Surrey
- Studied: History at Bristol, Accounting at Kaplan Financial
- Talents: Dad jokes and karaoke – Blur’s Park Life is my go-to.
- Motto: There’s only two people you need to impress: your eight-year-old self, and your 80-year-old self
- Biggest perk of the job? The people I get to meet. Through our clients and my involvement in the wider fintech industry, I get to engage with some really interesting and influential people. I also love having a voice in the industry and the opportunity to help shape positive change.
- Coffee order: White Americano. I’m also a big fan of Pret coffee – I’m aware that might be an unpopular opinion
- Cocktail order: Red wine, thanks. I’ll happily skip the cocktails.
- Favourite book: Never Split the Difference – Chris Voss. A fascinating read which flips traditional negotiation on its head.
What was your first job?
On the checkout at Tesco in Milton Keynes. I was pretty quick with the scanner and regularly got asked if I was paid by the beep.
What was your first role in the City?
I started out as a graduate accountant at PwC in audit. I worked with a real mix of businesses, from oil companies to nightclubs. My final placement was at Lehman Brothers, and I remember being one of the few people walking into the building while everyone else seemed to be walking out with cardboard boxes. It was surreal.
When did you know you wanted to build a career in the City?
I actually wanted to be a doctor, but some work experience quickly made me realise it wasn’t the career for me. I studied history instead, and when I graduated in the early 2000s, the City was where all the energy seemed to be. In many ways, it was the fintech sector of its day, and I wanted to be part of that.
What’s one thing you love about the City of London?
I love the mix of old and new. One minute you’re walking past St Paul’s and all that history, the next you’re looking up at a brand new building.
And one thing you would change?
I’m not sure it’s about changing something, but about making sure we don’t stand still. The UK has a fantastic position as a global financial centre, but maintaining that means embracing change, continuing to innovate and creating the right environment for businesses to grow.
What’s been your most memorable business lunch or meeting?
It would have to be Davos this year, where I joined the UK delegation with Rachel Reeves. The opportunity to be in the room with world leaders and some fascinating people made it an experience I won’t forget.
And any business faux pas?
I once found myself at a dinner with a very well-known US political figure who I completely failed to recognise. I asked him his name. He wasn’t impressed.
What’s been your proudest moment?
Becoming CEO at 41. Seeing ClearBank grow from a fintech challenger into an established part of the UK’s financial infrastructure has been hugely rewarding. Today, we support more than 300 clients across financial services and the corporate world, have built a profitable UK business and established ourselves in Europe, with plenty more still to do.
And who do you look up to?
My dad. He worked incredibly hard and always encouraged me to make the most of every opportunity. Thanks to him, my brother and I were the first in our family to go to university. He taught me the value of hard work, but also the importance of being fair and treating people well.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever been given?
If there’s a fire, run towards it rather than away from it. In other words, don’t shy away from difficult problems. And trust your instincts: keep doing what you think is right until someone tells you to stop.
And the worst?
Bang your fists on the table more to get your own way. I’ve always found there are better ways to bring people with you.
Are you optimistic for the year ahead?
Yes, always. I’d much rather be optimistic about what’s ahead and risk the odd disappointment than not take the chance at all.
We’re going for lunch, and you’re picking – where are we going?
I love a good steak, so I’d go for Gaucho in Broadgate Circus. It also happens to be right next to our new office, which is very convenient.
And if we’re grabbing a drink after work?
Any pub on Watling Street. There’s always a great atmosphere after work, you can’t really go wrong.
Where’s home during the week?
You’ll mostly find me at ClearBank’s offices in Broadgate Tower. We’re on the 27th floor, with some pretty impressive views across London.
And where might we find you at the weekend?
Usually out walking my dog, Maverick, or ferrying my children around. My weekends involve quite a lot of unpaid taxi driving.
You’ve got a well-deserved two weeks off. Where are you going and who with?
With two young children, adventure holidays are off the agenda for now. Give me a five-star, all-inclusive resort, a beach and my family, and I’m very happy.