The FCA has made two permanent appointments to its executive team.
Johan Sikora will join the FCA next month as chief operating officer, moving from Stockholm.
Simon Walls takes up a permanent role as market CEO after carrying out the same duties on an interim basis since 2024.
Sekora joins from Swedish bank SEB where he was global head of financial crime prevention.
He has 25 years of experience in financial services, including 20 years at HSBC Bank and in roles coordinating with the Swedish police against crime.
The financial watchdog says he is a leading voice in using data and artificial intelligence to address emerging risks.
Walls worked at the city’s regulatory authority for two decades and held senior positions in wholesale markets, including policy, asset management and banking supervision.
The FCA says he played a key role in dealing with significant events affecting markets, including the Libor transition and the UK’s exit from the European Union.
“As Europe’s leading and largest regulator, the FCA leads from the front in many regulated areas by protecting customers, driving smarter regulation, and combating financial crime through collaboration and the use of artificial intelligence,” Sikora says.
“British financial markets have for centuries been characterized by innovation, openness and integrity,” says Walls.
“I am delighted to lead such a committed and professional team at the FCA as we bring our ambitious work to the markets to further these traditions.”
FCA chief executive Nikhil Rathi says: “A strong leadership team is an important part of 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 work more efficiently and effectively to the benefit of consumers, markets and the wider economy.”
