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The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has made two permanent appointments to its executive team. Simon Walls becomes executive director of markets, and Johan Sekora joins as chief operating officer.
Walls has served as interim markets director since 2024 and has been with the regulator since 2006.
His previous roles include leading the wholesale markets department and supervising sell-side firms. He was involved in managing the transition away from Libor and the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union.
Meanwhile, Sekora will relocate from Stockholm to assume his post in June. He joins from Swedish bank SEB, where he served as global head of financial crime prevention.
His 25-year career in financial services includes 20 years at HSBC, where he was global chief operating officer for regulatory compliance.
The appointments come as the regulator seeks to modernise its oversight through the use of data and artificial intelligence.
Sekora has previously chaired SAMLIT, a collaboration between the Swedish banking sector and police to combat financial crime.
Nikhil Rathi, chief executive, said: “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.”
Walls added: “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 market 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.”
Sekora concluded: “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.”
