The Federation of European Securities Exchanges (FESE) has announced that Judith Hardt, Director General, will step down from her role on 23 May.
Judith Hardt has been with FESE since 2005 and has led the organisation through a number of high profile mandates such as the development of the Code of Conduct on Clearing and Settlement for which Judith Hardt was nominated ‘lobbyist of the year’; the review of MIFID to reverse some of the negative impacts of MIFID I and developing industry thinking to improve SME financing. In addition, there have been numerous other regulatory initiatives in which Judith Hardt has helped the FESE steer through review and implementation.
During Hardt’s tenure FESE has become more focused and more effective in promoting the value of regulated exchanges through its activities across numerous mandates and improved interaction with actors in the financial and political landscape within Brussels and abroad.
FESE will commence a selection process to identify a successor.
Christian Katz, President of FESE said “I would like to thank Judith Hardt for all her hard work and tireless dedication to the Federation and our industry over the past nine years. FESE is now more organized and focused due to Judith’s leadership. On behalf of the Board and the entire Membership of the Federation we wish Judith Hardt well in her new endeavours”.
Judith Hardt said “After nearly 10 years at FESE and with the successful outcomes of MiFID II for exchanges, I believe that now is a good time to explore new opportunities. I immensely enjoyed leading this association during a fascinating period of fundamental regulatory overhaul and industry consolidation. I have also been privileged to work with incredible staff. I know that the dedication of the FESE team will ensure a seamless transition».
The Federation of European Securities Exchanges (FESE) represents 41 exchanges in equities, bonds, derivatives and commodities through 21 full members from 30 countries, as well as 2 Observer Members. FESE is a keen defender of the Internal Market and many of its members have become multi- jurisdictional exchanges, providing market access across multiple investor communities. FESE represents public Regulated Markets. Regulated Markets provide both institutional and retail investors with transparent and neutral price-formation. Securities admitted to trading on our markets have to comply with stringent initial and ongoing disclosure requirements and accounting and auditing standards imposed by EU laws.
At the end of 2013, FESE members had up to 8,950 companies listed on their markets, of which 8% are foreign companies contributing towards the European integration and providing broad and liquid access to Europe’s capital markets. Many of our members also organise specialised markets that allow small and medium sized companies across Europe to access the capital markets; 1,478 companies were listed in these specialised markets/segments in equity, increasing choice for investors and issuers.