At the Association for Financial Markets in Europe (AFME)’s Board meeting and EGM held in Brussels on 6 December, Michael Cole-Fontayn was appointed as Independent Chairman with effect from 1 January 2018.

Michael Cole-Fontayn is retiring from BNY Mellon this month after a 35-year career with the company, most recently as Executive Vice President, Executive Committee member and EMEA Chairman. He has served two years as AFME Chairman as the BNY Mellon Board member.

Simon Lewis, AFME Chief Executive, said: “Michael is a passionate advocate for Europe’s capital markets and his dedication to AFME issues is unwavering. He has been a very engaged member of the Board since 2011, with an acute understanding of the relationship between flourishing capital markets and economic growth. I am delighted that the Board has asked him to continue to chair AFME as an independent director during this critical time for Europe’s capital markets.” 

Michael Cole-Fontayn said: “I am delighted to continue to help AFME’s important work shaping the policy debate around the future of Europe’s capital markets and working with our industry and regulators in support of the growth agenda. My tenure as AFME Chairman has seen challenging times for our industry in Europe. Given the current environment, AFME and its members are more dedicated than ever to promoting the “E” in AFME.”

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