Who Wants to Be the Next ESMA Chair?
The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has launched the formal selection procedure for its next Chair, opening applications for one of the EU’s most influential financial regulatory leadership roles.
ESMA said the Chair position is a full-time, independent role based in Paris, responsible for leading the Authority’s strategic direction and representing ESMA at the highest institutional level as Europe’s regulatory and supervisory framework continues to evolve.
The selection comes at a time when EU policymakers are actively pursuing deeper market integration and stronger supervisory coordination, raising the profile of ESMA’s leadership in shaping how regulation is applied across member states.
Chair Will Lead ESMA’s Strategy and Chair Both Key Governing Boards
Under the ESMA Regulation, the Chair will serve as the head of ESMA’s strategic leadership and governance structure, chairing both the Board of Supervisors and the Management Board.
The Chair is expected to ensure effective governance, strategic oversight and delivery of ESMA’s priorities, while also preparing the work of the Board of Supervisors and setting agendas for both boards.
ESMA described the role as central to shaping the future direction of Europe’s financial markets, including steering the organisation through an increasingly complex supervisory landscape.
Takeaway
Role Includes European Parliament Accountability and Market Integration Reform Oversight
ESMA outlined a broad set of responsibilities for the Chair, including acting as the Authority’s main external representative and ensuring accountability to EU institutions.
In addition to strategic leadership, the Chair will represent ESMA before the European Parliament in annual hearings focused on ESMA’s performance, reinforcing the role’s political and institutional visibility.
ESMA also said the successful candidate will lead the organisation through potential changes linked to the European Commission’s legislative proposal on market integration and supervision, which may include adjustments to ESMA’s governance framework.
This places the Chair at the centre of ongoing policy debates about how Europe supervises cross-border markets, regulates financial infrastructure, and harmonises rules across national competent authorities.
Takeaway
Applications Open Until March 3 as ESMA Highlights Multicultural Environment
ESMA said the Chair position offers the opportunity to contribute directly to the stability, integrity and effective functioning of EU financial markets, within a multicultural and inclusive working environment based in Paris.
The regulator emphasised ESMA’s mission around investor protection and orderly markets, noting that its workforce includes professionals from across the European Union.
Applications for the ESMA Chair selection process are open until 3 March 2026.
