Regulatory Strategy. Market Access. Executive Search. Governance.
Trusted advisor to the trading industry, providing support with regulatory challenges, licensing, senior hiring, and board-level strategy.
About me
I have over 25 years of experience in EU financial markets — as a journalist, a financial markets regulator, a compliance officer, lobbyist, non-executive director and consultant.
Today, I advise proprietary trading firms, trading venues, and brokers on how to position themselves strategically within the European regulatory landscape.
I support non-EU firms with market access and licensing, connect clients with expert legal and compliance advisors, and help find the right senior people for key regulatory roles.
I am also available for independent non-executive director (INED) and advisory board roles.
Current activities:
- Boardroom advisor to trading firms, brokers and exchanges regarding regulatory challenges
- Chair of the Association of Proprietary Traders (APT)
- Chair of the Supervisory Board of Nino Options
- Advisory Board Member of BrightFunded
Past activities:
- Ex-Head of EU Public Affairs at Optiver
- Former board member and vice-chair of the FIA European Principal Traders Association (FIA EPTA)
- Former Senior Compliance Officer at an HFT firm
- Former policy officer and supervisor for exchanges at the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM)
- Former financial journalist at Betten Financial News (acquired by DJ Newswires)
- Various executive and non-executive board and advisory roles across the industry
What I Do for Clients
Regulatory Executive Search
I recruit (senior) legal, compliance, and regulatory risk professionals with deep expertise in EU financial markets regulations. Retained or contingent searches, discreet and effective.
EU Market Access and Licensing
I support non-EU firms through the licensing process in the Netherlands and the EU. This includes supporting the application process, preparing for AFM/DNB engagement, and connections to trusted local experts.
Non-Executive & Advisory Board
I am available for independent non-executive (INED) and advisory board positions, offering regulatory insight, governance and strategic oversight for firms active in trading, fintech, and regulated markets.
Why Clients Work with Me
What I Bring to the Table
With over 25 years of experience in financial markets, I bring a rare combination of regulatory insight, industry perspective, an extensive network and board-level judgement. I’ve worked as a policy officer and supervisor at the regulator and as compliance officer and ultimately as EU Head of Public Affairs at a major trading firm — so I understand the full spectrum of how rules are made, interpreted, and enforced.
Why my Clients Trust Me
Clients highly value my deep network across the Dutch and European trading landscape (both at the public and the private sector), my strategic approach to complex regulatory questions, and my ability to connect firms with the right experts — whether it’s for licensing, advocacy, or building a strong compliance team. I’m known for being independent, discreet, and results-driven.
What Clients told me
Let the Numbers Speak
Happy clients since I started with Lex Mercatus
My years of regulatory experience in financial markets
Passive candidates open to regulatory opportunities
Lex Mercatus is conveniently located in the city center of Amsterdam.
The office address is:
Keizersgracht 62
1015 CS Amsterdam
The Netherlands
+31 (0)20 – 301 13 70
Lex Mercatus is registered at the Chamber of Commerce in Amsterdam, under number 88462285.
The VAT number is NL864636465B01
All services are subject to the Terms & Conditions of Lex Mercatus B.V.
(c) Copyright Lex Mercatus B.V.