Montis Group, a leader in the development of Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT)-based post-trade infrastructure, announces six key appointments to its leadership, advisory and management teams. These new hires include two Independent Non-Executive Directors in Luxembourg, two Advisory Council members, and two senior management team members. The appointments come as Montis Digital SA advances toward regulatory authorisation and Go-Live in Luxembourg and Montis Digital UK has applied to operate in the Bank of England Sandbox.
New Luxembourg Board Members
In readiness for authorisation and Go-Live in Luxembourg, we are delighted to formally announce the appointment of two new Independent Non-Executive Directors to Montis Digital SA.
Nasir Zubairi
Nasir Zubairi brings deep product knowledge and extensive experience across financial markets, venture capital, and fintech startups. As the Chief Executive of the Luxembourg House of Financial Technology (LHoFT), Nasir has been instrumental in driving fintech and digital innovation within the Luxembourg financial services industry.
- LHoFT - Chief Executive of a public/private sector initiative to drive fintech and digitalisation for Luxembourg financial services
- EU Blockchain Observatory and Forum - Expert Panel
- OECD - Member of the Board of Advisors
- IMF - Member of High Level Advisory Board: Finance & Technology
- Officier de l'Ordre Mérite du Grand Duché de Luxembourg 2022
- Council member at British Chamber of Commerce
- Council member at British-Luxembourg Society
Nasir commented:
"Joining Montis Digital’s board is an exciting opportunity to support the launch of a DLT-based CSD in Luxembourg. I look forward to helping shape a dynamic new chapter in market infrastructure innovation."
Marco Strimer
Marco Strimer is a highly regarded figure in the European financial markets, with expertise in operations and post-trade clearing. As the former CEO of SIX x-clear and a former Executive Board Member at SIX Group, Marco has played a pivotal role in increasing competition and efficiency in European clearing markets.
- LME Clear - Former Chairman, now Honorary Member
- SIX x-clear - Former CEO
- SIX Group - Former Executive Board Member, Securities Services
- Raiffeisen Switzerland - Former Head Securities and Tax
- Incentage AG - Independent Non-Executive Director
- ARTEX Global Markets - Independent Non-Executive Director
- CAS in General Management for Board Members, Rochester-Bern
Marco commented:
"You do not get many chances to play a pivotal role in building a fully regulated, cutting-edge company that is transforming the digital securities landscape through its digital Central Securities Depository (dCSD) services, based in Luxembourg. With my experience in the industry and as a Board member, I am excited to help shape the future of secure, efficient, and transparent digital asset management."
New Advisory Council members
We are delighted to welcome two new members to our Group Advisory Council.
Frederic Bilas
Frederic Bilas is an experienced Director of Operations with a demonstrated history of successes in the banking, financial services and the asset management industry.
- Apex Fund Services - Chairman
- European Fund Administration - former Director of Operations
- Banque Internationale à Luxembourg - former VP, Head of Securities
- Accenture - former Senior Manager, Financial Services
- The Luxembourg Institute of Governance - ILA Certified Director
- Belgian Board Members Institute - GUBERNA Certified Director
Fred commented:
"The new state-of-the-art platform that Montis will soon deliver will offer market participants a single entry-point for processing both their digital and traditional assets. This will fundamentally change the post-trade infrastructure landscape. Montis is building the future and I am delighted to be part of this revolution.”
Emilie Allaert
Emilie Allaert is experienced in fostering collaboration across the financial industry, providing insights on new technology and the potential impact on process, efficiency and compliance.
- Luxembourg Blockchain Lab - Head
- Women in Tech - European Award, Women in Web3
- Fondation IDEA - Member of the Scientific Committee
- ALFI - Co Chairman Working Group Blockchain - Crypto Currencies
- ALFI - Member of the ExCo Digital Forum Fintech
- Digital Minds – Founder
Emilie commented:
“While digital assets are rapidly transforming the Asset Management industry, the ecosystem still lacks key infrastructure players. Montis Digital addresses this gap with a unique approach, offering the potential to revolutionize the distribution of digital securities. I am excited to advise Montis Digital on its implementation in Luxembourg, leveraging the country’s established and dynamic ecosystem.”
New Senior Management Hires
As we get operationally ready for authorisation and to Go-Live in both Luxembourg and the UK, we will be strengthening the respective Montis teams with the right skills and experience to deliver. Consequently, we are delighted to welcome Steve Smith and Terry Gibson to the Montis Group senior management team.
Steve Smith – Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Steve Smith joins Montis Digital as COO, bringing over two decades of operational leadership experience. He previously served as COO at Linear Investments, Director of IT and Operations at Kyte Broking, COO for Securities at Marex, and Head of Technology at Swiss Re subsidiary Fox-Pitt Kelton.
Terry Gibson – Head of Product
Terry Gibson, now Head of Product at Montis Digital, has an exceptional track record in post-trade solutions and product management. His previous roles include Head of Post Trade Solutions at LSEG Technology, SVP & Head of Product Management at SGX, Executive Director at Omgeo, and Director at DTCC.
Driving the Future of Digital Securities
Montis continues to strengthen its operational capabilities and leadership team as it prepares for full-scope CSD authorisation and Go-Live. These appointments will accelerate the delivery of innovative, DLT-based solutions for digital securities in Luxembourg and the UK.
Martin Watkins, CEO of Montis Group, stated:
"We are delighted to welcome such high-calibre individuals to our team. Their expertise and leadership will be instrumental in achieving our mission to revolutionise the digital securities landscape through innovative, compliant, and efficient market infrastructure solutions."
About Montis Group
Montis Group is at the forefront of developing innovative post-trade solutions leveraging DLT. With its cutting-edge infrastructure and a strong focus on regulatory compliance, Montis is shaping the future of digital securities markets across Europe and beyond.
