ESMA Launches Selection Process for Its Next Chair
•February 11, 2026
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Why It Matters
The new Chair will shape EU market supervision and drive ESMA’s long‑term strategy, affecting regulatory consistency across Europe’s financial sector. This leadership transition is pivotal for maintaining market integrity amid upcoming legislative reforms.
Key Takeaways
- •Application deadline: 3 March 2026.
- •Chair leads Board of Supervisors and Management Board.
- •Role shapes EU market stability and investor protection.
- •Selection follows ESMA Regulation, ensuring governance continuity.
Pulse Analysis
ESMA’s chairmanship is more than a senior appointment; it is a linchpin for the EU’s financial market architecture. The Authority’s mandate to harmonise supervision across member states places the Chair at the forefront of policy implementation, especially as the European Commission pushes forward its market integration proposals. By guiding both the Board of Supervisors and the Management Board, the Chair ensures that regulatory standards keep pace with innovation, from fintech to sustainable finance, while safeguarding investor confidence.
The timing of this recruitment aligns with a critical period of regulatory evolution. Recent legislative drafts aim to expand ESMA’s powers, streamline cross‑border supervision, and reinforce market transparency. A leader adept at navigating complex political environments will be essential to translate these reforms into actionable frameworks, fostering a more resilient and cohesive European capital market. Moreover, the Chair’s external representation before the European Parliament and other institutions will shape the narrative around EU financial stability on the global stage.
Beyond policy, the role signals ESMA’s commitment to a multicultural, inclusive workplace that attracts top talent. By emphasizing strategic oversight and long‑term vision, the Authority seeks a Chair capable of balancing day‑to‑day operational demands with forward‑looking initiatives such as digital asset regulation and climate‑related disclosures. The successful candidate will thus influence not only regulatory outcomes but also the cultural and innovative trajectory of Europe’s financial ecosystem.
ESMA launches selection process for its next Chair
ESMA launches selection process for its next Chair 03 February 2026
About ESMA
Careers
Vacancies
The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), the EU’s financial markets regulator and supervisor, has launched the selection procedure for the position of ESMA Chair. This key leadership role offers the opportunity to shape the future of Europe’s financial markets and steer the organisation through an evolving regulatory and supervisory landscape.
As a full‑time, independent professional based in Paris, the Chair leads ESMA’s strategic direction and represents the Authority at the highest institutional level. The successful candidate will chair both the Board of Supervisors and the Management Board, ensuring effective governance, strategic oversight and the delivery of ESMA’s priorities.
Role and Responsibilities
In line with the ESMA Regulation, the Chair’s main responsibilities include:
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Chairing meetings and setting the agendas of the Board of Supervisors and the Management Board.
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Preparing the work of the Board of Supervisors.
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Acting as ESMA’s main external representative.
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Developing ESMA’s long‑term strategy and ensuring delivery on its objectives.
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Implementing tasks and decisions assigned by the Board of Supervisors.
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Ensuring accountability and representing ESMA before the European Parliament in annual hearings on ESMA’s performance.
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Leading ESMA through potential changes arising from the European Commission’s legislative proposal on market integration and supervision, including adjustments to ESMA’s governance framework.
A Strategic and Multicultural Working Environment
The position offers the opportunity to contribute to the effective functioning, stability and integrity of EU financial markets. ESMA provides a dynamic, multicultural and inclusive working environment, bringing together professionals from across the EU committed to investor protection and orderly markets.
Applications
Applications are open until 3 March 2026.
For further details on the role and application process, please consult the vacancy notice.
Further information:
Solveig Kleiveland
Team Leader - Communications
03/02/2026
ESMA/2026/VAC01/AD15
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