Branson's replacement has been firmly appointed.
In a significant move, the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (Finma) has announced the appointment of Urban Angehrn as its new head, effective November 1. The decision comes after an extensive search and evaluation by the Finma board of directors, following the resignation of former director Mark Branson in the spring.
Urban Angehrn, a seasoned professional with over 14 years of experience at the Zurich Insurance Group, will be stepping into the role. Currently serving as the group-wide investment chief at Zurich, Angehrn's extensive background also includes stints at Winterthur, Credit Suisse First Boston, and JP Morgan.
The German Federal Minister of Finance, Olaf Scholz, announced a restructuring of BaFin, the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority, in response to the Wirecard scandal, in which BaFin was allegedly criticised for not adequately fulfilling its duties. Interim chief Jan Bloechliger will remain in charge at Finma until Angehrn takes office.
Angehrn's most notable background referenced is his leadership role at Finma, the Swiss regulator overseeing the financial market, including banking operations, insurance, and securities regulation in Switzerland. However, no detailed public record about his broader background in finance or any specific connection to Zurich Insurance Group is evident in the available data.
Angehrn also serves as the chairman of the board of directors at Zurich Life Insurance Company and president of the foundation board of the pension fund of the Zurich Insurance Group. His appointment as Finma's chief was approved by the Swiss Federal Council.
In a surprising turn of events, Urban Angehrn, who was the director of Finma, resigned in July 2025, reportedly for health reasons, shortly after Finma revealed a secret judgment that led to the closure of a law firm referred to as Law Firm X.
Mark Branson, who will succeed Felix Hufeld at BaFin, is set to take office on August 1. This restructuring and leadership change at BaFin marks a new era in the regulation of the German financial market, aiming to restore confidence and ensure a more robust regulatory framework.
Urban Angehrn's experience in the financial sector ranges from his role as the group-wide investment chief at Zurich to his leadership at the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (Finma), where he oversaw banking operations, insurance, and securities regulation. His appointment as Finma's head was a significant investment decision, endorsed by the Swiss Federal Council.
Despite his involvement in major finance institutions such as Credit Suisse First Boston and JP Morgan, the public record does not provide a detailed account of his broader background in finance or any specific connection to Zurich Insurance Group.
