Lisa Jacobs: A Visionary Leader Driving Innovation at Funding Circle UK
In the fast-evolving world of financial technology, leadership is the defining factor that distinguishes companies that thrive from those that falter. One such leader making waves is Lisa Jacobs, the Chief Executive Officer of Funding Circle UK. With over a decade of experience at the company and an impressive background across consulting, finance, and global development, Jacobs has become one of the most influential women in European technology. Her journey from Oxford graduate to CEO demonstrates resilience, vision, and an unwavering commitment to small business growth.
This article explores Lisa Jacobs’ career trajectory, her leadership at Funding Circle UK, and the accolades she has earned along the way. It also highlights her earlier professional experiences at Asil Consulting Ltd, the Boston Consulting Group, Technoserve Tanzania, and L’Oréal, all of which shaped the dynamic leader she is today.
Lisa Jacobs and Funding Circle UK
Early Journey at Funding Circle
Lisa Jacobs joined Funding Circle UK in 2012, at a time when the peer-to-peer lending platform was still establishing itself as a disruptor in small business finance. Her progression within the company reflects her adaptability and sharp strategic insight. She has held several senior positions including UK Managing Director and Europe Managing Director before being appointed CEO in January 2022.
Leadership as CEO
Since assuming the role of CEO, Jacobs has focused on refining the company’s strategic vision. Funding Circle shifted away from its retail peer-to-peer lending model and pivoted to institutional lending, a move that positioned it more sustainably for the long term. Under her stewardship, Funding Circle UK streamlined operations, cut costs where necessary, and focused on creating a scalable and profitable future.
Her leadership style is both pragmatic and innovative. Jacobs has been at the forefront of integrating technology-driven solutions to empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). By fostering partnerships and adopting digital lending models, she has strengthened the company’s reputation as a trusted partner for UK businesses.
Professional Experience Beyond Funding Circle
Asil Consulting Ltd
Before joining Funding Circle, Jacobs founded and ran Asil Consulting Ltd, where she worked as an independent consultant from 2011 to 2012. During this time, she supported high-profile clients including the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games and Direct Line Group Insurance. This role allowed her to refine her consulting expertise while managing complex projects that demanded precision, flexibility, and client-centred results.
Boston Consulting Group (BCG)
From 2007 to 2011, Lisa Jacobs built her foundation in strategy and management as a consultant with the Boston Consulting Group (BCG). At BCG, she worked across multiple industries and developed a strong understanding of corporate strategy, problem-solving, and market analysis. These formative years equipped her with the analytical skills and strategic mindset that she would later apply to Funding Circle’s growth journey.
Technoserve Tanzania
Jacobs’ career also has a humanitarian dimension. In 2009, she volunteered with Technoserve Tanzania, a non-profit organisation focused on promoting entrepreneurial solutions to poverty. This experience highlighted her interest in sustainable development and her ability to apply business acumen to address social challenges. It also revealed a side of her leadership that goes beyond profit, rooted in making tangible impacts in underserved communities.
L’Oréal
Her earliest professional experience was at L’Oréal, where she worked as an Assistant Product Manager in 2005. Although brief, this role exposed her to the world of international business and consumer products. It was here that Jacobs began to build her commercial instincts and marketing awareness, qualities that have been invaluable throughout her career.
Education: Oxford Foundations
Education has played a central role in Lisa Jacobs’ journey. She graduated from the University of Oxford with a First-Class degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE). This rigorous academic background gave her the tools to think critically, evaluate policy, and analyse financial systems. The combination of philosophy, politics, and economics not only strengthened her intellectual versatility but also positioned her well for leadership roles that require a balance of ethics, governance, and strategy.
Honours and Awards
Lisa Jacobs’ impact has not gone unnoticed. She has received numerous awards and recognitions for her leadership and contributions to financial technology:
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CEO of the Year (AltFi, 2022): A prestigious recognition that acknowledged her ability to lead Funding Circle through transformation while exceeding expectations.
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Top Fifty Women in European Tech (Inspiring Fifty Europe, 2022): Celebrating her influence in shaping the technology landscape and providing inspiration for the next generation of women leaders.
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Fintech Woman of the Year (AltFi, 2021): Awarded for her outstanding role in driving innovation in the fintech industry.
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Women in FinTech Powerlist (2017–2020): Four consecutive years of recognition by Innovate Finance, cementing her as a consistent leader in the field.
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Inspiring Fifty UK (2018): Another honour that placed her among the most influential women shaping the technology ecosystem in the United Kingdom.
These accolades highlight Jacobs’ sustained excellence and commitment to diversity and innovation in technology and finance.
Leadership Style and Influence
Lisa Jacobs is often described as a leader who blends analytical rigour with human-centred vision. She is known for her ability to navigate uncertainty, embrace change, and keep an organisation aligned with its core mission. At Funding Circle UK, she has cultivated a culture of innovation while maintaining focus on financial discipline.
Her career demonstrates that leadership is not only about decision-making at the top but also about the journey through varied roles, industries, and challenges. By drawing on experiences from BCG, Asil Consulting Ltd, Technoserve Tanzania, and L’Oréal, Jacobs has built a leadership approach that is global, inclusive, and forward-thinking.
Impact on Fintech and Beyond
Lisa Jacobs’ influence extends far beyond Funding Circle. As a frequent presence in awards lists and leadership forums, she has become a role model for women in technology and finance. Her recognition on the Women in FinTech Powerlist and Inspiring Fifty Europe underscores her role in addressing gender diversity and inspiring others to break barriers.
Moreover, her leadership in Funding Circle contributes to the broader fintech ecosystem by enhancing access to finance for small businesses — a vital component of economic growth. Through her efforts, Jacobs is helping shape a future where technology, finance, and social impact intersect.
Conclusion
The story of Lisa Jacobs is one of perseverance, innovation, and purposeful leadership. From her days at Oxford and early career experiences at L’Oréal and BCG, to her entrepreneurial stint at Asil Consulting Ltd and humanitarian work with Technoserve Tanzania, she has built a rich and diverse professional portfolio. Today, as CEO of Funding Circle UK, she continues to champion small businesses and push the boundaries of fintech innovation.
Her awards and recognitions are testament not just to her individual achievements, but to her broader influence in shaping the industry. Jacobs stands as an example of how strong leadership, grounded in experience and vision, can drive transformation and make a lasting impact.
