Sonia Paston-Bedingfeld
UBS
Head Group Post Trade and Custody Strategy – Network Management
Sonia has been with UBS for 21 years, primarily in Operations based in London, but spent 5 years in Hyderabad, India working in BPO and ITO vendor management. On her return to the UK in August 2016, Sonia became EMEA Head of UBS Group Network Management and in early 2020 moved into the Custody strategy role
UBS
Head Group Post Trade and Custody Strategy – Network Management
Sonia has been with UBS for 21 years, primarily in Operations based in London, but spent 5 years in Hyderabad, India working in BPO and ITO vendor management. On her return to the UK in August 2016, Sonia became EMEA Head of UBS Group Network Management and in early 2020 moved into the Custody strategy role
Andrew Payne
Bank of America
Head of EMEA Network Management
Andy has been with Bank of America since November 2013 and manages the EMEA Securities Network management team. The Network Management team at BoA are accountable for the sourcing, ongoing management, oversight and monitoring of relationships of the firm’s portfolio of securities third party partner banks. Andy joined BoA from Deutsche Bank where he spent 8 years working in various Network Management, Emerging Markets and Operations Project roles. Prior to that Andy worked in Network Management for Commerzbank, Lehman Brothers and DB again.
Bank of America
Head of EMEA Network Management
Andy has been with Bank of America since November 2013 and manages the EMEA Securities Network management team. The Network Management team at BoA are accountable for the sourcing, ongoing management, oversight and monitoring of relationships of the firm’s portfolio of securities third party partner banks. Andy joined BoA from Deutsche Bank where he spent 8 years working in various Network Management, Emerging Markets and Operations Project roles. Prior to that Andy worked in Network Management for Commerzbank, Lehman Brothers and DB again.
Steve Pemberton
Coherent
CEO - Europe
Steve is Coherent's Chief Executive Officer for Europe, focused on the company's growth strategy across the region. Working closely with clients in Insurance, Capital Markets and other industry verticals, he is responsible for enabling them to address their regulatory, compliance, end to end workflow & strategic transformation challenges by accelerating the adoption of Coherent's innovative technology solutions.
Steve brings over 25 years of Banking & Capital Markets leadership experience spanning roles in Operations, Sales, Account Management & Product Management. He also has vast international experience, having spent 18 years working in Hong Kong & Singapore. He was most recently Global Head of Product for HSBC's Direct Custody & Clearing business, where he was responsible for the strategy and development of HSBC's suite of products & solutions to Investment Banks, Broker Dealers and Financial Market Insfrastructures globally.
Prior to joining HSBC, Steve led IHS Markit's Strategic Account management team in Asia, was Global Head of Standard Chartered's Banks, Broker Dealers, Clearing & Collateral Product team and UBS' APAC Regional Head of Clearing & Securities Operations
Coherent
CEO - Europe
Steve is Coherent's Chief Executive Officer for Europe, focused on the company's growth strategy across the region. Working closely with clients in Insurance, Capital Markets and other industry verticals, he is responsible for enabling them to address their regulatory, compliance, end to end workflow & strategic transformation challenges by accelerating the adoption of Coherent's innovative technology solutions.
Steve brings over 25 years of Banking & Capital Markets leadership experience spanning roles in Operations, Sales, Account Management & Product Management. He also has vast international experience, having spent 18 years working in Hong Kong & Singapore. He was most recently Global Head of Product for HSBC's Direct Custody & Clearing business, where he was responsible for the strategy and development of HSBC's suite of products & solutions to Investment Banks, Broker Dealers and Financial Market Insfrastructures globally.
Prior to joining HSBC, Steve led IHS Markit's Strategic Account management team in Asia, was Global Head of Standard Chartered's Banks, Broker Dealers, Clearing & Collateral Product team and UBS' APAC Regional Head of Clearing & Securities Operations
Rafael Plata
EACH
Secretary General
Rafael is the Secretary General of the European Association of CCP Clearing Houses (EACH), the trade organisation that represents the interests of European CCPs. A government affairs professional with 15 years of experience in the financial services industry, Rafael has also worked for FESE, the European Parliament and in investment consulting. He is an Invited lecturer on CCP Clearing at the Solvay School of Economics and Management and an Editorial Board member of the Journal of Securities Operations & Custody.
EACH
Secretary General
Rafael is the Secretary General of the European Association of CCP Clearing Houses (EACH), the trade organisation that represents the interests of European CCPs. A government affairs professional with 15 years of experience in the financial services industry, Rafael has also worked for FESE, the European Parliament and in investment consulting. He is an Invited lecturer on CCP Clearing at the Solvay School of Economics and Management and an Editorial Board member of the Journal of Securities Operations & Custody.
Nikolaos Porfyris
Athens Exchange Group
COO
Dr. Nikolaos Porfyris is currently Chief Operating Officer (COO) at ATHEX Group. He has been with the Athens Exchange Group since 1998 in several positions, as Head of Research & Development of Derivatives (ADEX), Director of Business Development of Derivatives Market (ADEX), Director of International Affairs, Director of the Central Registry, Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Chief Business Development Officer and Chief Post-trading & International Business Development Officer. He is currently Vice Chair of the Markets Steering Committee of Athens Exchange.
He is representing ATHEX Group in European Associations such as the Federation of European Stock Exchanges (FESE), where he is also Vice Chair of the Management Committee, the European Central Depositories Association (ECSDA) and European Association of Clearing Houses (EACH).
Athens Exchange Group
COO
Dr. Nikolaos Porfyris is currently Chief Operating Officer (COO) at ATHEX Group. He has been with the Athens Exchange Group since 1998 in several positions, as Head of Research & Development of Derivatives (ADEX), Director of Business Development of Derivatives Market (ADEX), Director of International Affairs, Director of the Central Registry, Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Chief Business Development Officer and Chief Post-trading & International Business Development Officer. He is currently Vice Chair of the Markets Steering Committee of Athens Exchange.
He is representing ATHEX Group in European Associations such as the Federation of European Stock Exchanges (FESE), where he is also Vice Chair of the Management Committee, the European Central Depositories Association (ECSDA) and European Association of Clearing Houses (EACH).
Sean Quinlan
LCH
Head of Equities Sales and Strategic Relationship Director
Seán Quinlan is Head of Equities Sales and Strategic Relationship Director for LSEG’s Post Trade Division.
As Head of Equities Sales, he is responsible for managing and growing the partnerships with EquityClear customers across LCH LTD and SA. In managing Strategic Relationships across all asset classes for LSEG Post Trade, Seán aims to optimize the opportunities for partnership with LSEG’s largest global customers.
Seán joined LCH in 2012, and has held roles in Sales, Business Development and Product development across EMEA and APAC. Prior to LCH, Seán was an Equity Research Analyst at Bloxham Stockbrokers. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce and a Master’s degree in Finance from University College Cork, Ireland.
LCH
Head of Equities Sales and Strategic Relationship Director
Seán Quinlan is Head of Equities Sales and Strategic Relationship Director for LSEG’s Post Trade Division.
As Head of Equities Sales, he is responsible for managing and growing the partnerships with EquityClear customers across LCH LTD and SA. In managing Strategic Relationships across all asset classes for LSEG Post Trade, Seán aims to optimize the opportunities for partnership with LSEG’s largest global customers.
Seán joined LCH in 2012, and has held roles in Sales, Business Development and Product development across EMEA and APAC. Prior to LCH, Seán was an Equity Research Analyst at Bloxham Stockbrokers. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce and a Master’s degree in Finance from University College Cork, Ireland.
Pascal Roland
Swift
Senior Market Manager, Securities Markets
After a career as an Operations Manager, Network Manager and Business Consultant at various institutions including JP Morgan, Clearstream and Citibank, Pascal Roland joined Swift. In his 17 years here, he’s held various positions in sales and marketing as a Capital Markets Expert.
Pascal has contributed to the development of the offering for central securities depositories and buy-side institutions. He has also worked on the value proposition of Swift for Securities players, analysed the trends affecting various market segments, and assessed the potential impacts on Swift. Based in the Belgian Swift HQ, Pascal now supports the commercialisation of Swift Securities View.
Swift
Senior Market Manager, Securities Markets
After a career as an Operations Manager, Network Manager and Business Consultant at various institutions including JP Morgan, Clearstream and Citibank, Pascal Roland joined Swift. In his 17 years here, he’s held various positions in sales and marketing as a Capital Markets Expert.
Pascal has contributed to the development of the offering for central securities depositories and buy-side institutions. He has also worked on the value proposition of Swift for Securities players, analysed the trends affecting various market segments, and assessed the potential impacts on Swift. Based in the Belgian Swift HQ, Pascal now supports the commercialisation of Swift Securities View.
Julia Barbara Romhanyi
UniCredit
Global Head of Securities Services
Júlia started her professional career at the Budapest Stock Exchange in 1991 and joined UniCredit Hungary in 1999 as a Relationship Manager at the Custody Department. Júlia has held several positions within UniCredit GSS before she was appointed Head of GSS CEE in January, 2015. At the beginning of 2018, she has been appointed the Global Head of Securities Services within UniCredit, taking responsibility over the entire GSS network.
Julia graduated from the College of Finance and Accounting in Hungary and completed her MBA studies at the University of Economics in Budapest.
UniCredit
Global Head of Securities Services
Júlia started her professional career at the Budapest Stock Exchange in 1991 and joined UniCredit Hungary in 1999 as a Relationship Manager at the Custody Department. Júlia has held several positions within UniCredit GSS before she was appointed Head of GSS CEE in January, 2015. At the beginning of 2018, she has been appointed the Global Head of Securities Services within UniCredit, taking responsibility over the entire GSS network.
Julia graduated from the College of Finance and Accounting in Hungary and completed her MBA studies at the University of Economics in Budapest.
Priya Sharma
Clearstream
Head of Data & Client Connectivity
Priya is heading the ‘Data and Client Connectivity’ globally at Clearstream. Prior to joining Clearstream in 2021, she was heading ‘Innovation and Change’ for Custody Operations globally supporting 60+ countries. She held a number of senior roles in Retail Banking and Securities Services at Citibank NA. With 18 years of extensive experience in leading banking operations, product, strategy, large scale transformations using latest disruptive technologies like AI, ML, cloud, Big Data, Advanced analytics and fintech solutions; Creating Centre of Excellence, Implementing major Regulatory mandates and creating operational excellence through business Process reengineering. Recognized for creating high performing transformation teams and streamlining the most complex work-efforts and delivering the results with multi-million dollar streams through revenue generation and operating efficiencies, in Banking/ITES sectors.
Clearstream
Head of Data & Client Connectivity
Priya is heading the ‘Data and Client Connectivity’ globally at Clearstream. Prior to joining Clearstream in 2021, she was heading ‘Innovation and Change’ for Custody Operations globally supporting 60+ countries. She held a number of senior roles in Retail Banking and Securities Services at Citibank NA. With 18 years of extensive experience in leading banking operations, product, strategy, large scale transformations using latest disruptive technologies like AI, ML, cloud, Big Data, Advanced analytics and fintech solutions; Creating Centre of Excellence, Implementing major Regulatory mandates and creating operational excellence through business Process reengineering. Recognized for creating high performing transformation teams and streamlining the most complex work-efforts and delivering the results with multi-million dollar streams through revenue generation and operating efficiencies, in Banking/ITES sectors.
Simon Shepherd
MYRIAD Group Technologies Limited
Managing Director
Simon is the CEO of MYRIAD Group Technologies Limited. The ever-growing team has steadily built the Company up from creation in August 2004, extending and evolving the original project to completely overhaul one Bank’s Network Management environment, data and processes.
The team has grown the company organically, transforming that original project into an enterprise-level platform with multiple Clients, adding client onboarding (Embus) and dedicated due diligence products (CODUDE) to the portfolio.
Prior to founding MGTL, Simon spent 2 years in Property Finance at Hambros Bank, training formally to ACIB; and then 10 years in Front-Office Trading and Sales at Hambros, Bankers Trust International and latterly, as a senior Managing Director at Deutsche Bank, before becoming a private Investor in mostly Internet-based technology Companies.
MYRIAD Group Technologies Limited
Managing Director
Simon is the CEO of MYRIAD Group Technologies Limited. The ever-growing team has steadily built the Company up from creation in August 2004, extending and evolving the original project to completely overhaul one Bank’s Network Management environment, data and processes.
The team has grown the company organically, transforming that original project into an enterprise-level platform with multiple Clients, adding client onboarding (Embus) and dedicated due diligence products (CODUDE) to the portfolio.
Prior to founding MGTL, Simon spent 2 years in Property Finance at Hambros Bank, training formally to ACIB; and then 10 years in Front-Office Trading and Sales at Hambros, Bankers Trust International and latterly, as a senior Managing Director at Deutsche Bank, before becoming a private Investor in mostly Internet-based technology Companies.
Jens Siebert
KPMG
Partner
Jens Siebert is a Partner at KPMG Germany and co-leads the Digital Asset practice for the financial services sector. He is an expert in the transformation of business and operating models of banks, asset managers and market infrastructure providers. Prior to joining KPMG, Jens founded various Digital Asset companies, among others the second fully regulated crypto custodian in Germany.
KPMG
Partner
Jens Siebert is a Partner at KPMG Germany and co-leads the Digital Asset practice for the financial services sector. He is an expert in the transformation of business and operating models of banks, asset managers and market infrastructure providers. Prior to joining KPMG, Jens founded various Digital Asset companies, among others the second fully regulated crypto custodian in Germany.
Stefan Teis
Deutsche Bank
Head of DLT & Digital Asset Service
Stefan works for Deutsche Bank’s Corporate Bank as Head of DLT & Digital Asset Services. He leads SeS’s Digital Asset Custody program. Stefan specializes in ‘everything around blockchain’ from a business as well as technical point of view. He has 25 years of experience in the financial services and IT industry as well as in management consulting. Prior to joining Deutsche Bank two years ago, he held positions at SAP AG, McKinsey & Co and Deutsche Börse AG.
Deutsche Bank
Head of DLT & Digital Asset Service
Stefan works for Deutsche Bank’s Corporate Bank as Head of DLT & Digital Asset Services. He leads SeS’s Digital Asset Custody program. Stefan specializes in ‘everything around blockchain’ from a business as well as technical point of view. He has 25 years of experience in the financial services and IT industry as well as in management consulting. Prior to joining Deutsche Bank two years ago, he held positions at SAP AG, McKinsey & Co and Deutsche Börse AG.
Alexis Francis Thompson
BBVA
Head of Global Securities Services
Alexis Thompson is Head of Global Securities Services for BBVA, and also responsible for Strategy & Business Development for Global Transaction Banking within Corporate and Investment Banking.
He joined BBVA in 2012 as Head of Product within Global Operations where he was responsible for aligning business needs with operational capabilities with the need of the different business lines.
Prior to that, Alexis worked at Altura Markets for 12 years as Chief Operating Officer, where he was responsible for Client Services, Operations & IT.
BBVA
Head of Global Securities Services
Alexis Thompson is Head of Global Securities Services for BBVA, and also responsible for Strategy & Business Development for Global Transaction Banking within Corporate and Investment Banking.
He joined BBVA in 2012 as Head of Product within Global Operations where he was responsible for aligning business needs with operational capabilities with the need of the different business lines.
Prior to that, Alexis worked at Altura Markets for 12 years as Chief Operating Officer, where he was responsible for Client Services, Operations & IT.
Alex Todd
Citi
MD - EMEA Head of Bank Sales, Europe Head of Securities Services
Alex is EMEA Head of Bank Sales and is also Europe Head of Securities Services at Citi. He is a member of the Europe Leadership Team and the EMEA Securities Services ExCo. He joined Citi in 2008.
Prior to Citi, Alex held various senior Operations roles at Morgan Stanley and UBS, having started his career at Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer.
Alex holds an LLB (Hons) in Law from Cardiff University and a Postgraduate Diploma in legal studies from Cardiff Law School.
Citi
MD - EMEA Head of Bank Sales, Europe Head of Securities Services
Alex is EMEA Head of Bank Sales and is also Europe Head of Securities Services at Citi. He is a member of the Europe Leadership Team and the EMEA Securities Services ExCo. He joined Citi in 2008.
Prior to Citi, Alex held various senior Operations roles at Morgan Stanley and UBS, having started his career at Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer.
Alex holds an LLB (Hons) in Law from Cardiff University and a Postgraduate Diploma in legal studies from Cardiff Law School.
Miles Trueman
Credit Suisse
Network Manager - EMEA
Having spent 10 years in a variety of Operational roles, Miles Trueman joined Credit Suisse London in 1996 to manage an Emerging Markets Settlements team. In 1997 Miles joined the newly formed Network Management team and since 2000 has worked in the Investment Banking EMEA Network team, looking after both cash and securities relationships across all products
Credit Suisse
Network Manager - EMEA
Having spent 10 years in a variety of Operational roles, Miles Trueman joined Credit Suisse London in 1996 to manage an Emerging Markets Settlements team. In 1997 Miles joined the newly formed Network Management team and since 2000 has worked in the Investment Banking EMEA Network team, looking after both cash and securities relationships across all products
Zuzana Trum
SwissRe
Senior Custody & Market Intelligence Manager
Zuzana has been in the Financial Services industry for 15 years holding various managerial and senior roles within Investment Operations, Vendor & Custody network management. Based in Zurich, she is globally responsible for the selection and monitoring of domestic, global custodians & other securities service providers for SwissRe with regional focus on Americas, Asia & Africa. Thanks to a digital mindset she played a lead role within various strategic initiatives with focus on market intelligence and KYC solutions. She plays a major part in the regular investment operations benchmarking efforts and is a program lead for the Swiss Re led industry peer roundtable for Investment Operations leaders.
Zuzana holds a Master's degree in International Relations & Diplomacy from the University of Economics in Bratislava and is an alumni of the Oxford University's Fintech Programme.
SwissRe
Senior Custody & Market Intelligence Manager
Zuzana has been in the Financial Services industry for 15 years holding various managerial and senior roles within Investment Operations, Vendor & Custody network management. Based in Zurich, she is globally responsible for the selection and monitoring of domestic, global custodians & other securities service providers for SwissRe with regional focus on Americas, Asia & Africa. Thanks to a digital mindset she played a lead role within various strategic initiatives with focus on market intelligence and KYC solutions. She plays a major part in the regular investment operations benchmarking efforts and is a program lead for the Swiss Re led industry peer roundtable for Investment Operations leaders.
Zuzana holds a Master's degree in International Relations & Diplomacy from the University of Economics in Bratislava and is an alumni of the Oxford University's Fintech Programme.
Ross Whitehill
Thomas Murray
Chief Executive Officer
As CEO, Ross is responsible for a range of activities across Thomas Murray including Clients, Sales, Product, Advisory ; Analytics, Capital Markets, Operations, Risk, HR and Legal.
He has extensive experience in the Asset Servicing industry having worked with BNY Mellon, Morgan Stanley and Standard Chartered Bank in their respective businesses involving (where relevant) custody, securities finance, prime brokerage and indices sales.
Prior to re-joining Thomas Murray in April 2018, Ross worked for BNY Mellon in their Markets business and was responsible for regulatory matters in Europe. He spent much of his time with regulators across the EU engaged in MiFID, CASS, SFTR, AIFMD, UCITSV, CSDR etc. He had previously worked with Thomas Murray for 13 years until 2008 as COO.
Thomas Murray
Chief Executive Officer
As CEO, Ross is responsible for a range of activities across Thomas Murray including Clients, Sales, Product, Advisory ; Analytics, Capital Markets, Operations, Risk, HR and Legal.
He has extensive experience in the Asset Servicing industry having worked with BNY Mellon, Morgan Stanley and Standard Chartered Bank in their respective businesses involving (where relevant) custody, securities finance, prime brokerage and indices sales.
Prior to re-joining Thomas Murray in April 2018, Ross worked for BNY Mellon in their Markets business and was responsible for regulatory matters in Europe. He spent much of his time with regulators across the EU engaged in MiFID, CASS, SFTR, AIFMD, UCITSV, CSDR etc. He had previously worked with Thomas Murray for 13 years until 2008 as COO.
Anthony Zheng
Toronto-Dominion Bank
Director, Financial Institutions Network Management
Anthony Zheng is a seasoned leader with expertise and comprehensive understanding of the financial services industry. With a career spanning nearly two decades from Capital Markets to Wealth Management, Anthony has consistently driven transformative change within large multinational organizations, navigating complex landscapes and spearheading innovative solutions.
Currently serving as the Director of Financial Institutions Network Management at TD Securities, Anthony holds a pivotal role in overseeing the management of Toronto-Dominion Bank's correspondent bank accounts with foreign financial institutions. His unwavering dedication to excellence and meticulous attention to detail ensure the seamless operation of critical banking relationships on a global scale.
Prior to his current position, Anthony played a critical role in shaping the success of TD Securities through his leadership in key programs. His notable achievements include orchestrating new product due diligence, managing reputational risks to safeguard the bank's impeccable standing in the industry, and spearheading the Risk Appetite for reporting to the Board of Directors. Additionally, he led equity and debt underwriting oversight, ensuring optimal outcomes for stakeholders and adherence to stringent regulatory standards.
Anthony's exceptional skill set is further exemplified by his adeptness in developing multi-year business strategies, charting the course for sustainable growth and prosperity. Notably, Anthony's advisory roles to C-Suite executives has earned him as a trusted partner in driving strategic decision-making. His unique ability to distill complex information into actionable insights has empowered leaders to make informed choices that shape the future trajectory of their organizations.
Toronto-Dominion Bank
Director, Financial Institutions Network Management
Anthony Zheng is a seasoned leader with expertise and comprehensive understanding of the financial services industry. With a career spanning nearly two decades from Capital Markets to Wealth Management, Anthony has consistently driven transformative change within large multinational organizations, navigating complex landscapes and spearheading innovative solutions.
Currently serving as the Director of Financial Institutions Network Management at TD Securities, Anthony holds a pivotal role in overseeing the management of Toronto-Dominion Bank's correspondent bank accounts with foreign financial institutions. His unwavering dedication to excellence and meticulous attention to detail ensure the seamless operation of critical banking relationships on a global scale.
Prior to his current position, Anthony played a critical role in shaping the success of TD Securities through his leadership in key programs. His notable achievements include orchestrating new product due diligence, managing reputational risks to safeguard the bank's impeccable standing in the industry, and spearheading the Risk Appetite for reporting to the Board of Directors. Additionally, he led equity and debt underwriting oversight, ensuring optimal outcomes for stakeholders and adherence to stringent regulatory standards.
Anthony's exceptional skill set is further exemplified by his adeptness in developing multi-year business strategies, charting the course for sustainable growth and prosperity. Notably, Anthony's advisory roles to C-Suite executives has earned him as a trusted partner in driving strategic decision-making. His unique ability to distill complex information into actionable insights has empowered leaders to make informed choices that shape the future trajectory of their organizations.