Fintech company Instantia has appointed seasoned FX and risk management executive Jan Vlietstra (pictured) as Chief Strategy Officer, strengthening its leadership team as the business enters its next phase of growth.
Vlietstra brings decades of experience across FX risk management and fintech, including more than 14 years as Global CEO of AFEX, where he led the business from start-up to a global organisation.
The appointment comes as Instantia continues to invest in its Strategy Builder, Risk Management Intelligence, and broader technology stack that puts power back in the hands of SMEs.
In his new role, commencing 15 January, 2026, Vlietstra will work closely with CEO Richard Poulton, COO Danny Pezeshki, and the leadership team to shape Instantia’s long-term strategy. His focus areas include driving innovation, guiding the product and technology roadmap, and supporting scalable growth through automation and next-generation technology.
Vlietstra will help to advance Instantia’s commitment to responsible risk management and the company’s mission to give SMEs greater visibility and control over their hedging decisions, a key point of differentiation in the market.
Instantia CEO Richard Poulton said the appointment marked an important milestone for the business.
“Having Jan’s experience, discipline and vision helping guide our next chapter is something I am incredibly grateful for,” Poulton said. “He has made a global impact in this space, and his belief in what we are building means a great deal to me personally and to our entire team.”
Vlietstra said he was excited to join the business at an essential time in its growth.
“FX risk management has been opaque and overly complex for SMEs, and Instantia is challenging that model by providing the insight and transparency that they need,” Vlietstra said. “There is a clear opportunity to raise the standard through smarter technology, and I am excited to help drive that next stage of growth.”