The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) an international financial institution owned by common body of US, Japan and European central banks to foster international monetary and financial operation has revealed the appointment of senior level leadership executive, Benedicte Noella in its latest announcement. As per statement released by the Switzerland headquartered firm, it has appointed Mrs. Benedicte Noella Nolens as the head of its innovation hub unit based in Hong Kong SAE for a three year term set to come into effect from 1st July, 2020. The newly appointed head of unit is a veteran in financial services industry with more than two decades of experience under her belt and is an expert in fintech, innovation and regulation operations. Ms. Nolens is currently serving as member of SC Ventures a wholly owned Fintech division of Standard Chartered bank that deals in innovative and disruptive financial technology and explores alternative business models.
Prior to her term with SC Ventures, she served as Board Member and Board Sponsor for Blockchain and RegTech at FinTech Association of Hong Kong for nearly two and a half years. Prior to that, she spent 14 months serving as member of investment committee in Angel Hub. Her other notable roles include – Head Regulatory Affairs for Asia & Europe, CCO Asia and VP of international government relations at Circle in Hong Kong, Chairman of Advisory Council in Global Digital Finance, Vice Chair CER & Fintech Lead at International Organization of Securities Commissions, Senior Director/Head of Risk & Strategy and Head of Fintech units at Securities And Futures Commission in Hong Kong, Chief Compliance Officer at Credit Suisse and Executive Director/Deputy Head of Asia Ex Japan Compliance at Goldman Sachs. It should be noted that during her term at Hong Kong SFC, Mrs. Nolens was extremely involved in global regulatory issues and had worked closely with BIS during said period.
The Innovative Hub which Mrs. Nolens is set to become the head of was established in 2019 to help identify and develop in-depth insight into critical trends in technology that affects central bank. The unit also focuses on development of public goods in tech sector that can help improve the functioning process of current global financial system while serving as focal point for network of central bank experts on innovation. While Mrs. Nolens will lead the Hong Kong unit, as part of initial phase of implementation, BIS has established the other branches of unit in Singapore and Switzerland with plans for opening additional branches of unit across the globe in its second phase of implementation.
Commenting on Benedicte’s addition to the team, Benoit Coeure – Head of the innovation Hub said “I am delighted with Bénédicte’s appointment. Her deep knowledge and experience in fintech and financial regulation will significantly strengthen the Hub’s mission to ensure that innovation is a positive force in the global financial system”.