BCS, the largest trader of equities and FX on the Russian exchange, has appointed John Barker as executive chairman of BCS Financial Group (BCS) in London.
Barker (pictured) took up his new role at BCS in January 2014.
Barker brings more than 20 years of management experience in the financial market to the firm. He was formerly the managing director and head of international at Liquidnet Europe. He has also held various senior positions at Instinet Global Services, including director of operations, head of trade support and managing the membership of multiple exchanges, clearing and settlement systems. During this time, Barker was also a board member at Instinet.
The new executive chairman role at BCS will primarily focus on driving the business strategy for the international business, and for overseeing corporate governance issues such as the regulatory, risk management and compliance systems. Barker has acted as a non-executive director at BCS since January 2013.
Tim Bevan, managing director of BCS Prime Brokerage, says: “Since receiving FCA approval in June last year, the BCS international business has gone from strength to strength. It is crucial that as we continue to expand that we have the right people and infrastructure firmly in place. John’s leadership skills, knowledge of the buy and sell side, and his reputation and credibility in the market will add significant value to the firm as we seek to build on our early successes.”
BCS has also recently secured membership on the London Stock Exchange. The company was granted UK regulatory authorisation by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in June 2013, marking the official launch of its international brokerage business.
Bevan says: “Receiving membership for the London Stock Exchange is a statement of our intent internationally, and a clear and positive demonstration of our ambition to become a major player in the market.”