FCA-regulated broker, Saxo Markets UK has appointed Nicholas Wilcock and Michael Ridley to fill non-executive roles in its board of directors, effective immediately.
Nicholas and Michael bring a combined 65-year experience spanning commercial, regulatory and operational roles with leading organizations. Given their backgrounds, the UK business of Copenhagen-based broker believes they will bring unique perspectives and valuable expertise to the board, further strengthening the group’s corporate governance.
As non-executive directors, Nicholas and Michael will provide independent advice, deliberation and review at a time when the business continues to expand its offering in the trading and investing space.
Nicholas Wilcock brings over two decades of expertise as a board-level advisor to banks and brokers. Prior to his consulting role, he spent the bulk of his career at Credit Suisse, where he held a number of positions, including EMEA deputy COO. During this lengthy tenure, he was tasked with dealing with a wide range of multi-jurisdictional regulatory issues.
Meanwhile, Michael Ridley will join the Danish broker with vast experience in investment banking, with focus on sovereigns and financial institutions.
Prior to landing at Saxo, he spent 17 years at JPMorgan’s securities arm where he served on the board for seven years as well as holding the position of vice chairman of investment banking, and global head of fixed income syndicate, among others.
His career, which dates back to 1980, also encompasses senior roles at global banks, leading industry associations and as an advisor to governments, pension funds and family offices.
FinanceFeeds webinar: Expert panel to discuss market data for multi-asset brokerages
Saxo looks forward to their positive contributions
Saxo Markets is a registered trading name of Saxo Capital Markets Ltd, which is authorised by the UK Financial Conduct Authority.
Introducing the new hires, Charles White-Thomson, CEO of Saxo Markets, commented: “Their expertise will be invaluable as we continue to grow our business in the UK, amid greater professionalisation of the retail investor space, where we strive to be a market leader in terms of improving access to trading and investing, supported by robust operational and regulatory frameworks.”
Nicholas Wilcock added: “Saxo has built an impressive business in a highly competitive environment. Its operational resilience and focus on upholding the highest regulatory standards in a growth industry will continue to be a key differentiator as this industry matures and we see a flight to quality. I am delighted to join the board and lend my expertise at this exciting time for the business.”
Michael Ridley also noted: “Saxo’s passion for championing financial education and further democratising trading and investing by delivering an institutional-grade experience to retail investors is one of the many reasons why I am excited to join the board. We are entering a critical time for retail participation in capital markets, and I look forward to working with Charles and the rest of the UK board to deliver on these ambitions.”
