The FCA has announced 2 permanent appointments to its executive team, strengthening leadership at a pivotal time for UK and global financial markets.
Simon Walls appointed executive director, markets
Simon Walls has been appointed permanent executive director, markets. Having taken on this role on a temporary basis since 2024, his appointment provides continuity at a vital and volatile time for the UK and global economy. Simon will be able to drive forward work he has already started to strengthen our approach on wholesale markets and to ensure a more resilient financial system by rebalancing risk and supporting growth.
Simon joined the FCA in 2006 and has held senior roles across wholesale markets, including policy, asset management and banking supervision. He played a key role in navigating significant events affecting markets, including the LIBOR (the London Interbank Offered Rate) transition and the UK’s exit from the EU.
Simon Walls said: 'Britain’s financial markets have been defined for centuries by innovation, openness and integrity. I’m delighted to lead such a committed and professional team at the FCA as we deliver our ambitious markets work to further these traditions. In partnership with government and industry, we are building momentum - ensuring great outcomes for domestic and international users of markets.'
Johan Sekora to join as chief operating officer
Johan Sekora has been appointed as chief operating officer, relocating from Stockholm to take up the role at the start of June. Johan will play a central role in supporting the FCA’s strategy and ambition to be a smarter, more effective regulator. Johan brings over 25 years’ experience in financial services.
A leading European voice on the importance of industry collaboration and the use of technology to tackle financial crime, Johan has worked extensively on accelerating the use of data and artificial intelligence to address emerging risks.
Johan Sekora said: 'I very much look forward to joining the FCA team. As the leading and largest European regulator, the FCA leads from the front in many regulated areas by protecting customers, driving smarter regulation, and combatting financial crime through collaboration and the use of AI.'
Nikhil Rathi, chief executive of the FCA said: 'A strong leadership team is a crucial part of us being the smarter regulator we aspire to be. Simon’s appointment provides continuity as we continue to reform our wholesale markets, while Johan brings significant international experience that will help us operate more efficiently and effectively in the interests of consumers, markets and the wider economy.'
Background
- Simon has held a range of roles in wholesale markets across 20 years at the FCA (previously the FSA), including the supervision of buy-side, sell-side and infrastructure firms. He was the head of the wholesale markets department from 2016, before taking up the post of director of sell-side in 2022. Prior to joining the FSA, Simon started his career on the graduate scheme at the Bank of England and holds qualifications in Economics and Law.
- Johan joins the FCA from SEB, a major Swedish bank, where he was global head of financial crime prevention. He has also served as chair of SAMLIT, the Swedish banking sector’s financial crime collaboration with the Swedish Police. Prior to joining SEB, he spent 20 years with HSBC in the UK and internationally, most recently as global chief operating officer, regulatory compliance. Johan holds a degree in Politics and Parliamentary Studies from Leeds University.
