Carlo Comporti to lead ESMA from November 1, 2026

The Council of the European Union has formally appointed Carlo Comporti as the chair of the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA). His five-year term is set to begin on November 1, 2026, with the possibility of a single extension.

Comporti currently serves as a commissioner at the Italian Companies and Stock Exchange Commission (CONSOB) and holds positions on ESMA's board of supervisors and management board. The appointment process involved a shortlist from ESMA's board of supervisors, a provisional agreement by EU ambassadors in July 2026, and endorsement by the European Parliament on September 15.

ESMA functions as the European Union's financial markets regulator and supervisor, tasked with enhancing investor protection and promoting stable, orderly financial markets. The authority focuses on three strategic priorities: fostering effective markets and financial stability, strengthening supervision of EU financial markets, and improving protection for retail investors.

Prior to the Council's formal appointment, ESMA's board of supervisors had provided a two-candidate shortlist. Following interviews, EU ambassadors reached a provisional agreement on Comporti's appointment in July 2026, which was subsequently endorsed by the European Parliament before the final decision.