SGSS’ Roberto Pecora to Run Euronext Clearing as CEO

# Roberto Pecora Takes the Helm at Euronext Clearing as New CEO In recent days, the European financial landscape has witnessed a significant leadership transition as Roberto Pecora steps into the role of Chief Executive Officer and General Manager at Euronext Clearing, the central counterparty operated by pan-European market powerhouse Euronext. The Board of Directors made this remarkably strategic appointment, tapping into Pecora’s wealth of experience that he’s cultivated during his three-and-a-half-year tenure as CEO of Societe Generale Securities Services (SGSS) in Italy—think of it as bringing a seasoned captain to navigate increasingly complex financial waters. By transitioning from his current position, which he’ll maintain until July 3, 2023, Pecora brings an exceptionally valuable multi-role background from Societe Generale to his new Rome-based leadership position. His responsibilities will be notably comprehensive, encompassing both the daily operational management of Euronext Clearing and the delicate orchestration of relationships with clearing members and regulatory bodies—much like a skilled conductor ensuring every section of an orchestra performs in perfect harmony while satisfying the critics in the audience. For financial professionals tracking industry developments, it’s worth highlighting that Euronext Clearing serves as the crucial infrastructure supporting a diverse range of financial instruments. Originally established in 1992 through a collaboration between the London Stock Exchange and Borsa Italiana, this clearing house has been transforming markets by providing essential services for commodities, fixed income, equities, and derivatives since becoming part of the Euronext ecosystem in 2021. Over the past decade, Euronext has been meticulously planning an ambitious expansion, and Pecora now stands at the forefront of this vision as a key member of the Post Trade Management Team led by Anthony Attia, Euronext’s Global Head of Primary Markets & Post Trade. The roadmap appears incredibly well-structured, with equity clearing services projected to launch by the end of 2023, followed by derivative clearing in the third quarter of 2024—imagine the financial equivalent of building a transcontinental highway system, connecting previously isolated markets into a seamless network. Attia has previously emphasized the transformative potential of this initiative, noting that “As Euronext Clearing expansion continues as planned, we will provide a unique post trade platform within the European landscape. ” This forward-thinking approach promises to deliver a significantly improved experience for market participants through a streamlined and standardized trading and clearing framework across all Euronext venues. By leveraging Euronext Securities, participants will be particularly well-positioned to harness the full capabilities of T2S with an environmentally conscious cross-border settlement flow—not unlike upgrading from a collection of disconnected local roads to a sophisticated highway system with smart traffic management.