Ashley Alder appointed as Securities & Futures Commission chief

Alder is an international law firm partner, specialising in areas of capital markets, mergers and acquisitions.

The Chief Executive has approved the appointment of Ashley Alder as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Securities & Futures Commission for a three-year term from October 1.

Financial Secretary John Tsang said on Monday Mr Alder has extensive experience in the legal field specialising in corporate finance. He said he is confident that under Mr Alder's leadership, the SFC will continue to be an effective and respected financial regulator, contributing to the enhancement of Hong Kong's position as a global financial centre.

Mr Alder, 52, graduated from London University with a Bachelor of Laws degree in 1982, and obtained his Master of Laws degree from Cambridge University in 1983. He first joined Herbert Smith in 1984 and was made a partner in 1994, according to a government report.

Mr Alder worked for the SFC as its Executive Director (Corporate Finance) from 2001 to 2004. He rejoined Herbert Smith in November 2004. He is a Partner of an international law firm, specialising in areas of capital markets, mergers and acquisitions as well as regulation and compliance. He has been living in Hong Kong for more than 20 years.