Joel Blake OBE
Joel Blake OBE is a commercial finance expert and fintech founder, known for using data-driven innovation to improve SME lending, reduce bias, and drive inclusive, sustainable growth.
Joel Blake OBE is a commercial finance expert, global keynote speaker and strategic advisor with over 20 years of experience across financial policy, fintech, SME lending and investment. He’s worked with more than 800 businesses and supported the deployment of over £250 million in commercial finance—helping organisations grow through better access to capital, insight and inclusive innovation.
Joel is the Founder and CEO of GFA Exchange, a data intelligence platform using AI-driven insights to help SME finance providers identify best-fit clients while reducing portfolio risk, operational cost and systemic bias. He is also the Founder of the Sustainable Tech Future Group, a peer leadership network that brings together financial policymakers, technologists and investors to drive sustainable innovation across global markets.
Alongside his entrepreneurial work, Joel advises several organisations at board level. He currently serves as a Strategic Advisor to Taranis Capital, an ESG-focused fintech investment fund based in the Middle East, and as Chair of Employability UK, a charity dedicated to advancing social mobility and supporting the future workforce.
Joel’s previous roles include President of the Commonwealth Chamber of Commerce (GB), where he helped lead international business partnerships, and independent policy advisor to the business team at No.10 Downing Street.
He was awarded an OBE in 2016 for Services to Business Support and Enterprise and continues to be a respected voice at the intersection of finance, innovation and impact—committed to helping organisations build smarter, fairer and more future-ready financial ecosystems.
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