Wise CFO resigns after 'terrible' bike accident

Matt Bryers (left) joined CEO Christo Kärmann's (right) money transfer company in 2015. Photo: Wise

The chief financial officer of fintech company Wise left the company to «focus on recovery» after he was hit by a bus while riding a bicycle.

Matt Bryers said he would like to focus on treatment after an accident over a year ago. back.

Mr Briers, who has not previously disclosed the extent of the incident, said it was «a pretty horrific accident where I got hit by a bus.»

Wise first reported that Mr. Briers was in a bicycle accident last February. The money transfer company appointed an interim CFO 15 months ago, although Briers officially returned to the position last May. a full recovery.”

Bryers, 46, will retire next March, and the company will immediately begin searching for a replacement.

The executive moved to Wise, formerly known as TransferWise, in 2015 from Google. The company was valued at £8bn in 2021, although shares have since fallen by more than 25%, reflecting the decline seen by other big London-based tech companies in recent years.

The company, founded in 2010, allows users to convert and spend money abroad, send money abroad and open foreign currency bank accounts.

Mr. Briers said: «I'm incredibly proud of what we've accomplished in these early chapters at Wise and we couldn't be more excited about what the business has in store.

«Wise will likely have many CFOs in the first century and I'm just starting the process of handing over the reins to the next one.

«But some of you may know that a year ago I returned to work at Wise after a rather horrific accident when I got hit by a bus, and so with that in mind, I'll focus on making a full recovery.

The news of his departure came the same month as Christo Kärmann, chief executive of Wise, announced that he plans to take a three-month sabbatical later this year.

Wise announced two weeks ago that Mr. Kärmann took a leave of absence between September and December, with Chief Technology Officer Harsh Sinha taking his place in between.

Mr. Karmann took a sabbatical to look after his two young children while considered a first for a major a UK registered company.

Mr Kaermann said Mr Briers has helped Wise “become a global service that 16 million people and businesses around the world can rely on today.

“I will always be grateful to Matt for deciding to jump in and build this rocket ship with us. His contributions will continue to shape Wise for years to come.

«Matt and I will work closely with other Wise leaders during this period to support the transition.»