Ian Clarke

Ian brings together a distinguished background in finance, leadership and social impact. After earning a BSc in Financial Markets and Management from the University of Manchester, he embarked on a career that saw rapid advancement through investment banking. Beginning with the Royal Household, Ian went on to join HSBC in 2007, where he rose to senior roles, including Director of Global Payments and later Vice President of Global Banking Sales. His 14-year career across two continents provided experience in guiding some of the world’s largest firms on financial success and sustainable growth.

In 2021, Ian transitioned from banking to focus on driving systemic change, founding Deilight Consulting, a pioneering culture transformation practice and social enterprise. That same year, he earned accreditation in Diversity and Inclusion from Cornell University and began serving on the Advisory Board of CTI Global for East Africa, applying technology to expand healthcare, agriculture and financial inclusion. With dual BSc degrees, extensive certifications and a track record of guiding thousands of colleagues through leadership of employee networks, Ian combines technical authority with human-centred advocacy. His career reflects a rare balance of corporate achievement and social mission, positioning him as a transformative leader in both business and equality.

Publications and Media

Ian is a published author and thought leader whose work has reached audiences around the world. His landmark ‘Project Speak Up’ report, which investigated the role of banks in perpetuating inequality, was translated into 16 languages and shared across 120 countries, setting seven world records in diversity and inclusion. Most recently, he authored ‘Deilight: The Untold Story of Diversity in the City‘, a book that explores the intersections of finance, identity and systemic change. Alongside this, Ian contributes to global media, offering commentary on leadership, equality and social justice.