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Expert opinion when you need it

Our experienced team of actuaries and consultants have been at the forefront of developments in the financial services industry for over 20 years. We provide specialist advice and support to our clients and are always happy to help journalists with expert comments on industry news and trends. OAC is regularly quoted in various industry publications.

For all enquiries from the media and press please contact Frances Smythe, OAC Head of Culture and Organisational Development, either by email to frances.smythe@oacplc.com or by telephone on +44 (0)20 7278 9500.

Meet our experts

Everyone here at OAC are experts in their field. They’re reliable, knowledgeable and, most importantly, approachable. Because when it comes to business, we like to keep things personal and build highly beneficial relationships with our clients. Let us introduce you to five of our experts.

Darren Richards
Chief Executive Officer
Christopher Critchlow
Director | Head of Professional Services
Cara Spinks
Consultant Actuary
Christine Rose-Williams
Head of Redress Calculations

Darren Richards
- Appointed CEO in 2013, responsible for strategy and vision.
- Joined OAC in 2009 as Head of Financial Modelling, overseeing business development and Mo.net® strategy.
- Fifteen years’ previous experience of financial software development and delivery for many international financial institutions.
- Experience of governance risk and compliance, introducing systems and related services internationally.
- PhD from Cambridge University in Exotic Derivative pricing.
- Chairman of Cambourne Eagles FC.
- Plays for the Caldecote Old Crocs football team. He loves “moving his aging frame” around the football pitch trying to save as many goals as possible, or enduring similar pain watching Leeds United.
- 07787 291440
- darren.richards@oacplc.com
Christopher Critchlow
- Over 25 years’ insurance industry experience.
- Acts as Chief Actuary and With-Profits Actuary to various firms.
- Helps firms to embed all aspects of the Solvency II regulatory regime.
- Advises regulators and trade bodies on the implications of policies and proposals.
- Overseeing the delivery of OAC's consultancy services.
- Enjoys cycling across Devon.
- In support of a local cancer charity, Christopher took part in a cycle ride from Exeter in Devon to Nice via the Alps.
- 07768 604400
- christopher.critchlow@oacplc.com
Cara Spinks
- Senior member of the actuarial consulting team and holds roles as Chief Actuary, With-Profits Actuary and Reviewing Actuary.
- Main areas of expertise are regulatory reporting and financial modelling, coupled with 20 years' experience of various aspects of with-profits business.
- Helps embed all aspects of Solvency II for a number of clients.
- Speaker at industry events and has a specific interest in the benefits of, and promotion of, smaller mutuals.
- Member of the Association of Financial Mutuals' Health and Protection Committee, and previously on the Regulation and Governance Committee.
- Outside of work, Cara has completed her Leadership Qualification for Girlguiding and volunteers weekly at her local Rainbow unit.
- Enjoys road trips with her young family in their campervan, playing the piano, long walks in the hills and looking after her garden.
- 07585 506237
- cara.spinks@oacplc.com
Christine Rose-Williams
- Highly experienced in handling and managing Regulator led and client internal business reviews of past advice involving financial products.
- Ten years’ corporate and individual pensions marketing and sales development.
- Previously the Product Manager for Group Pensions within a major life office.
- Member of The Personal Finance Society and CII - DipPFS qualified.
- Advanced Financial Planning Certificates G10/G30/G60 (1995/96) and Financial Planning Certificates 1, 2, and 3 (1994).
- Loves food, friends and fresh air!
- 020 7278 9500
- christine.rose-williams@oacplc.com