Welcome to Lex Mercatus
Lex Mercatus is a boutique financial markets regulatory consultancy and recruitment firm, run by Willem Sprenkeler.
The firm assists brokers, trading firms and exchanges in the Netherlands with their strategic regulatory challenges.
“Over 20 years of regulatory experience on both side of the table allow me to successfully help firms get authorised, manage their compliance risk and set up effective outreach and advocacy efforts.
And when firms are seeking to hire regulatory specialists, my extensive network in combination with my hands-on experience allow me to help firms recruit the best regulatory legal and compliance specialists.”
Boardroom consultancy on regulatory authorisation, managing compliance and engagement & advocacy
Applying for a license with AFM or DNB
The application process for a license from the regulators can be complex and cumbersome. I know from first hand what the AFM and DNB expect from a firm so I can help you streamline that process.
Successfully managing compliance risks
Effectively managing regulatory compliance risk is key for a firm's license to operate. I have been on both sides of the table and I can help you navigate the rules and regulations and set up an effective compliance framework.
Effective regulatory engagement & advocacy
The EU financial markets rules and regulations are constantly changing. I can help you get access to relevant policy makers in the Netherlands or at EU institutions to make your voice heard.
Financial markets rules & regulations
Over 20 years expertise
If you are looking for a reliable regulatory advisor who understands both your business as well as your regulatory challenges and who can provide you with professional advice and support in a practical way, Lex Mercatus is your partner.
With over 20 years of experience in financial markets - on the public and the private side; in supervision, compliance, advocacy and the media - I know how to read the rules, how to engage with regulators like the AFM, DNB and ESMA and how to keep track of all the the regulatory changes.
Helping clients manage constant regulatory change
On the one hand I help clients manage the impact of changes in their business activities on the regulatory environment they operate in. Think of non-EU firms looking to enter the EU financial markets, existing EU firms expanding their business activities to also encompass (new) regulated activities, or start-up firms seeking a license to become active on EU financial markets.
And on the other hand I also help existing authorised investment firms and trading platforms cope with all the changes in the regulatory requirements as a result of changes in the financial markets rules and regulations. Think of changes to MiFID/R or IFD/R and new EU rules on topics like operational resiliency, ESG and crypto-assets.
