The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has appointed Helen Charlton as the chair of the Financial Services Consumer Panel.

She will replace current chair Wanda Goldwag from 1 June for a three-year term.

Ms Charlton is currently chair of the British Gas Energy Trust, non-executive on the board of the Retail Energy Code Company and works with The Henry Smith Charity which provides grants to reduce social and economic disadvantage.

She has also served as a member of the Customer Challenge Group for Thames Water and a Consumer Advocate at the Consumer Council for Water.

She formerly practiced as a solicitor and has a degree from the University of Cambridge.

The regulator has also appointed Andy Mielczarek as chair of the FCA Smaller Business Practitioner Panel, succeeding Marlene Shiels OBE.

Mr Mielczarek has also been appointed for a three-year term starting 1 June.

He is the founder and CEO of UK digital bank Chetwood Financial. Formerly he worked for HSBC in a umber of roles across product and proposition, latterly as head of distribution for HSBC UK. He is a chartered accountant.

Charles Randell, chairman at the FCA, said: “Wanda and Marlene have made a significant contribution as the FCA responded at speed to the pandemic, helped markets navigate the UK’s departure from the EU and as we transformed as an organisation. I am incredibly grateful for their advice.

“I welcome Helen and Andy into their new roles, and I am confident they will continue the Panels’ excellent work ensuring our regulation is targeted, effective and delivers for consumers and markets."

Both new chairs of the statutory panels have been agreed by the FCA Board and approved by HM Treasury.

The statutory panels were set up to make and maintain effective arrangements for consulting consumers and practitioners on the extent to which the FCA’s general policies and practices are consistent with its general duties.