The Financial Services Council (FSC) says deputy CEO Blake Briggs will run the peak body in the interim following the departure of Sally Loane, who left in December after seven years leading the organisation.

FSC is still looking for a candidate to fill the CEO role, a process it started in October last year after it was announced Ms Loane would be stepping down.

“As deputy CEO [Mr Briggs] has also led the FSC’s policy team and his appointment will ensure the FSC continues to be a strong advocate for the financial services industry and its consumers,” Chairman David Bryant said.

“[He] has brought the industry together on key issues, including advocating for reforms to make financial advice more accessible and affordable, and promoted the interests of superannuation and life insurance consumers by bringing an end to occupational exclusions in group life insurance policies.”

Mr Briggs was formerly Head of Government Affairs for Wealth at Westpac, and previously led superannuation policy for the FSC.