News and Press

Thistle Initiatives, part of the Thistle Group is delighted to announce its partnership agreement with ClearBank, the enabler of real-time clearing and embedded banking for financial institutions, as its first trusted client compliance partner.

As ClearBank’s partner, Thistle Initiatives provides support on matters including, but not restricted to, FCA applications, compliance support, regulatory due diligence, and financial crime prevention. Additionally, Thistle Initiatives has been chosen by ClearBank as an approved AML compliance auditor to its clients, recognising Thistle as a leader in the financial services industry, for its commitment to excellence and accuracy in AML compliance."

Commenting on the strategic partnership, Sophie Long, CEO of the Thistle Group said:   

“We have worked closely with ClearBank for a number of years and it is fantastic for the recognition of our partnership to be formalised under this agreement. Thistle Initiatives has supported financial services firms for over 10 years as a reliable compliance and regulatory advisor, and the partnership with ClearBank underlines our commitment to regulatory excellence, alongside providing bespoke solutions to a wide range of financial services businesses."  

Jennifer Heathfield-Lee, Head of Partnerships for ClearBank, said: “Sophie and the team at Thistle Initiatives have been very highly commended by several mutual clients in our work together. There are so many synergies to our businesses – not least of which is being innovative and putting the needs of our clients first and foremost. I’m thrilled that we’re able to formalise our partnership in this way.” 

About ClearBank  

ClearBank is a purpose-built, technology-enabled clearing bank. Through its banking licence and intelligent, robust technology solutions, ClearBank enables its partners to offer real-time payment and innovative banking services to their customers.  

ClearBank is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority (Financial Services Register number: 754568).   

Visit www.clear.bank for more information.  

About Thistle Initiatives  

Thistle Initiatives, part of the Thistle Group, is a multi-award-winning compliance consultancy, providing advice and support to regulated and unregulated firms internationally and across the UK. Since launching in 2012, we have become one of the largest members of the APCC and have proudly supported over 1000 firms to become FCA authorised.  

 Our 70+ team of financial industry specialists, compliance officers, ex-regulators and lawyers is dedicated to providing support with FCA Authorisations, Acquisition Due Diligence, Audits, Supervision and Enforcement and ongoing compliance advice and support, to sectors including Investments, Payment Services, Credit, Mortgages, Digital Assets and General Insurance.   

With a strong focus on financial crime compliance, we support firms to navigate the complexities of financial crime regulations, including anti-money laundering, anti-bribery, counterterrorism, and tax evasion.  

We are guided by a principle to be much more than a compliance consultancy; our philosophy of providing a world-class service and hands-on approach, from a problem-solving and commercial focus, means we strive to be trusted by the regulator and our valued clients alike.   

For more information, please call 0207 436 0630 or email info@thistleinitiatives.co.uk.