Stefan Walter new Director of FINMA
On 24 January 2024, the Federal Council confirmed Stefan Walter, currently Director General Horizontal Supervision at the European Central Bank, as the new Director of the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA). He will take up this position from 1 April 2024 and brings with him extensive experience in the area of financial market supervision.
Following his election by FINMA’s Board of Directors, Stefan Walter’s appointment as Director of the authority has now been approved by the Federal Council. Mr Walter’s impressive career includes significant experience in financial market regulation, including leading the development of supervision for global systemically important banks at the European Central Bank. In his previous role as Secretary General of the Basel Committee, he played a key role in coordinating global regulatory reform negotiations following the global financial crisis.
A German national with a Master’s degree in International Banking and Finance from Columbia University, Stefan Walter, 59, brings a deep understanding and extensive knowledge of financial market supervision. He succeeds Urban Angehrn, who stepped down in September 2023 for health reasons. Birgit Rutishauser will continue in the role of FINMA Director on an interim basis until Walter takes office on 1 April.
Walter’s appointment is seen as an important step for FINMA to strengthen its position as the leading regulator in the financial sector. His extensive experience will help to further develop Swiss financial market regulation and establish it at an international level.