American firm thinks again about 'adviser' David Cameron

American firm thinks again about ‘adviser’ David Cameron as fallout from lobbying saga crosses the pond

  • Fiserv is reviewing its relationship with former prime minister David Cameron
  • Advisory work began in September 2017 with First Data, which Fiserv bought 
  • Source close to the US company said Mr Cameron was not on the board at time

The fallout from the Greensill saga has moved across to the US where David Cameron holds a number of advisory roles, the Mail can reveal today.

Fiserv, a major payments firm, is reviewing its relationship with the former prime minister following revelations about his work for the collapsed lender.

It is understood that Fiserv executives are concerned about corporate governance issues and the possibility that Mr Cameron could face an investigation.

Experts said Mr Cameron’s status and contacts book would have been a powerful attraction to potential employers

Mr Greensill (picture) is alleged to have enriched bankers and ultimately himself six years later through a Government-backed loan scheme he designed after the then prime minister gave him access to 11 departments and agencies

His advisory work there began in September 2017 with First Data, which Fiserv bought for £15billion in 2019.

A source close to the US company said Mr Cameron was not on the board and was paid for three days a month ‘opening doors’ and speaking at company events.

He also holds roles at genomics giant Illumina and at Afiniti which provides technology for call centres.

Experts said Mr Cameron’s status and contacts book would have been a powerful attraction to potential employers. 

‘There aren’t many government leaders around the world who would not take his call,’ said Russ Shaw, founder of Tech London Advocates.

Mr Cameron is facing calls for an inquiry after allegations surfaced that Lex Greensill, founder of the failed finance house, was given privileged access to Whitehall. 

Mr Greensill is alleged to have enriched bankers and ultimately himself six years later through a Government-backed loan scheme he designed after the then prime minister gave him access to 11 departments and agencies. 

Mr Cameron was already under scrutiny for reportedly trying to persuade Government figures to grant emergency loans to Greensill Capital, which took him on as an adviser after he left office.

He was cleared of breaking lobbying rules by watchdogs but ministers have admitted they let Greensill hand out Covid loans without subjecting it to the same checks as banks. 

It was chosen last June as one of 27 approved lenders able to offer large companies loans of up to £200million backed by the state. Greensill went into administration last month leaving taxpayers potentially on the hook.

Labour said the public would be ‘appalled’ to hear how much of their money may have been put at risk and questions remained over the former PM’s role. 

Fiserv and Mr Cameron declined to comment last night.

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