BATS Global Markets, a US market operator, has appointed Paul Atkins, a former commissioner at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to the role of non-executive chairman.
Atkins, who worked at the SEC between 2002-2008, is currently the chief executive of Patomak Global Partners, a Washington-based consultancy, advising clients on financial regulatory compliance, risk and strategic matters.
He also served as a member of the Congressional Oversight Panel for the Troubled Asset Relief Program between 2009-2010.
Atkins appointment follows BATS’ decision to split its chairman and CEO roles, both of which were previously held by Joe Ratterman.
The decision to separate the roles came after BATS was forced to abandon its initial public offering on its own market in March, after a series of technical failures.
“As a long-time admirer of Paul’s approach to regulation, I am pleased that he has agreed to join our organisation as the non-executive chairman of the BATS Global Markets board of directors,” said Ratterman.
By Sophie Pallier