Stefan Walter will assume the role of Director of the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) on April 1, 2024, after the Federal Council confirmed his appointment by the Board of Directors. He succeeds Urban Angehrn, who stepped down at the end of September 2023, and Birgit Rutishauser, who is currently acting as Interim Director. Walter brings extensive experience from his time as Director General at the European Central Bank (ECB), where he played a key role in establishing banking supervision and horizontal supervision. Previously, he held senior positions at Ernst & Young and the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision and worked at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. His international financial market experience, particularly in the area of large bank supervision, is seen as a valuable asset for FINMA. Birgit Rutishauser will remain Interim Director until he takes office, and the Chair of the Board of Directors, Marlene Amstad, will pay tribute to her commitment and leadership during the transition period.
