Signicat appoints new CEO and chair for digital identity platform
Signicat has named Keith Fenner chief executive and Pete Daffern chair, both effective 10 November 2026. Fenner replaces Asger Hattel, who departs after nearly seven years, while Daffern succeeds Johan Tjärnberg. The moves complete a planned handover as the company prepares its next growth stage.
The change coincides with heightened risks from generative AI. Signicat’s Battle in the Dark report found 59 percent of European businesses reporting more identity fraud. The company says its own AI tools can detect deepfakes, synthetic identities and theft, positioning it to meet rising demand for stronger digital-trust services.
Since Nordic Capital’s 2019 investment Signicat has expanded tenfold. Double-digit organic growth plus eight acquisitions have produced a platform serving more than 25,000 customers in over 45 countries. The firm now employs more than 550 people across 16 European offices.
As the European platform stands established and preparation begins for the subsequent growth stage, Asger Hattel and the Board concluded the moment had arrived to pass leadership onward. Keith Fenner possesses more than 25 years of international software executive experience and a history of expanding operations and advancing global development at organisations including Microsoft, Sage, Galvanize and Diligent. Pete Daffern contributes substantial board oversight background in private equity backed software companies across Europe and the United States together with more than 30 years of enterprise software executive roles. The company reports it has devoted recent years to constructing a Digital Identity platform offering solutions in onboarding, identity proofing, signing, orchestration and authentication while completing eight acquisitions and assisting numerous firms with digital infrastructure. It states the platform enables regulated entities in sectors such as banking, finance, payments and the public sector to obtain a full set of tools for secure online transactions and digital identity requirements.
Incoming chief executive Keith Fenner said the platform is market-leading in a sector vital to the European economy. He added that his immediate priorities are scaling the existing base, accelerating international growth, improving commercial execution and capturing further opportunities in digital identity.
Incoming chair Pete Daffern stated the company already holds a position of strength. He said he looks forward to guiding the board and working with the executive team to open the next chapter. Nordic Capital partner Fredrik Näslund welcomed both appointees, citing their complementary skills in software, growth and board leadership.
Outgoing chief executive Asger Hattel led the strategy that turned Signicat into a leading European digital-identity platform, expanding geography, customer verticals and financial results. Chair Johan Tjärnberg helped shape the board that will now oversee the next phase. Hattel called the timing natural and expressed confidence in Fenner’s relevant experience for a smooth handover.
Signicat states it provides a platform that encompasses onboarding, identity proofing, electronic signing, orchestration and authentication. It indicates that regulated clients operating in banking, finance, payments and the public sector employ the platform to satisfy compliance obligations and protect online transactions.
