Following agreement of the European Parliament (EP), Mr Steven Maijoor is confirmed as ESMA’s first Chairman. The approval by the EP follows an open hearing held on 1 February 2011, where the three nominees for Chair of the new European Supervisory Agencies (the ESAs) for markets (ESMA), banking (EBA) and occupational pensions (EIOPA) respectively, were heard by Members of the EP.
According to the Regulations establishing the ESAs, the candidates selected for the position of Chair by the Board of Supervisors of each Authority, had to present themselves before the EP within one month after their election. Steven Maijoor was nominated Chair by ESMA’s Board of Supervisors on 11 January 2011.

ESMA welcomes the EP’s decision to confirm Steven Maijoor as ESMA Chair. Maijoor is anticipated to take office on 1 April 2011.

Following the EP’s approval, Steven Maijoor, Chair of ESMA, said: “I thank the Members of the European Parliament for their confidence in me. I am delighted to have the opportunity to lead ESMA, and I am committed to the goal of effective and stable financial markets, and an increased role in delivering consumer protection. I look forward to working closely with my colleagues in ESMA, as well as with my counterparts in the Joint Committee, EBA and EIOPA. Ensuring ESMA plays its role effectively within the new European supervisory architecture will be a challenge which I take on both with pleasure and with a mindful respect of the opportunity and critical importance these authorities have in contributing to financial stability in Europe.”

Press release