Regulatory Strategy. Market Access. Executive Search. Governance.

Trusted advisor to trading firms navigating EU regulation, licensing, senior hiring, and board-level strategy.

About me

I advise and support firms active in EU financial markets on strategic regulatory, governance and market-access matters.

I have over 25 years of experience in European financial markets, having worked as a financial journalist, compliance officer, lobbyist, board member, independent non-executive director and consultant.

Today, I advise proprietary trading firms, trading venues and brokers on how to navigate and position themselves within the European regulatory landscape — whether as an external advisor or as an independent non-executive director (INED).

I also support non-EU firms seeking to establish or expand their presence in the EU, including with market-entry strategies and regulatory licensing. Where specialist expertise is required, I connect clients with trusted legal and compliance advisors, tax specialists and notaries.

Having worked in and around the trading industry for more than 25 years, I have built an extensive network across European financial markets. Through Lex Mercatus, I also help firms identify and recruit experienced professionals for senior compliance, regulatory and leadership roles.

Current activities:

Boardroom advisor to trading firms, brokers and exchanges regarding regulatory challenges
Executive search for senior regulatory and compliance positions in the trading industry
Independent Non-Executive Director (INED) at fairCT
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 directors and (senior) legal, compliance, and regulatory 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 in various roles (e.g. board member, INED, compliance officer, consultant, head of public affairs, policy officer and regulator) at different organisations (e.g. trading firms, markets regulator, market data firm), all with a strong regulatory component — so I understand the full spectrum of how rules are made, interpreted, implemented 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

Waardering 5 van 5

"We are very grateful for you hands-on advice and support during our MiFID license application process."

Chief Operating Officer Proprietary Trading Firm

Waardering 5 van 5

"As a result of your regulatory experience, both in the industry and as a regulator, all the candidates you suggested qualified perfectly for the role "

Head of Recruitment Broker-dealer

Let the Numbers Speak

Happy clients since I started with Lex Mercatus

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My years of regulatory experience in financial markets

# of passive candidates open to opportunities

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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.