ASX names new finance chief and adds clearing and settlement MD in leadership refresh

What changed at the top

Anthony Attia is only weeks into the job and already tightening the screws on ASX's leadership. "The ASX has a critical role in serving Australia's capital markets and we have a clear plan for improving how we deliver for all of our stakeholders," he said. "These appointments are adding important depth and critical experience to our leadership." The backdrop is not subtle: ASX shares have slipped over the years as outages and tech hiccups drew investor and regulator attention, and Attia is expected to reset the strategy.

New hires and timing

Keir Barnes, departing from Dexus, has been tapped as ASX's next finance head. She is expected to come on board after mid-December, once she completes her stint as Dexus' chief financial officer, according to a Monday filing from the property manager. Outgoing ASX CFO Andrew Tobin will remain in place until she starts and will help with a smooth handover, the bourse said.

In a separate move, Mark Peterson - previously CEO of NZX Ltd. - will take on the newly established managing director role overseeing clearing and settlement. He begins in November and will answer to Attia and to the boards overseeing clearing and settlement. After a regulatory probe, those boards are now made up entirely of independent directors. Andrew Jones, who has been acting group executive for securities and payments, will stay with the company.

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Operations, oversight, and what it means for your portfolio

There is more movement in the operating ranks. Elaine Vaisanen will take over from Diona Rae as chief operating officer in December and will run the company's transformation program. She brings over 20 years of experience across global markets and client services - most of it with JPMorgan Chase & Co. - spanning Europe and Australia. Darren Yip, who previously served as interim CEO, has returned to his former post as group executive in charge of markets and listings.

Why it matters for your money: a steadier ASX with clearer lines of accountability can mean fewer market disruptions and tighter execution when you trade. If Attia's plan sticks, confidence in the plumbing of Australia's markets improves, and that reduces one more headache between you and your investments.

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