MFA appoints Nicolò Bertoncello as head of EU government affairs amid pivotal capital markets reforms

The Managed Funds Association (MFA) has appointed Nicolò Bertoncello as Vice President, Head of EU Government Affairs, based in Brussels. In this key role, Bertoncello will spearhead MFA’s advocacy and engagement with European Union institutions and member states, aiming to enhance the efficiency, transparency, and resilience of capital markets across the EU. His appointment comes as the EU navigates substantial reforms in capital markets regulation, underlining MFA’s commitment to robust representation of its members’ interests in the European policymaking arena.

Bertoncello brings a wealth of experience from both the public and private sectors. Notably, he served as an economic policy adviser in the European Parliament where he led negotiations on significant financial services legislation. His contributions included advancing the EU’s capital markets agenda, with a particular focus on trading and post-trading policies, as well as laying the groundwork for Europe’s first consolidated ticker tape. Additionally, he advised on international trade and intellectual property matters. Before joining MFA, he worked with Kreab, a strategic communications firm advising financial institutions on EU regulations and advocacy. He began his career focusing on international taxation at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

MFA’s Chief Advocacy Officer, Jillien Flores, highlighted Bertoncello’s “invaluable perspective on the EU regulatory landscape,” stressing how his leadership will help MFA members effectively shape policies that encourage growth and innovation in European capital markets. MFA’s Head of EMEA Government Affairs, Rob Hailey, echoed this view, noting the importance of a strong voice in Brussels amidst ongoing capital markets reforms. Hailey, who leads MFA’s operations across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa from the UK, joined MFA earlier in 2024 with nearly two decades of experience in government affairs, including roles at Bank of America and Lloyds Banking Group.

The appointment of Bertoncello strengthens MFA’s Brussels team, which serves as a nexus for collaborative global advocacy efforts spanning offices in London, Washington DC, and New York. His role involves developing and executing policy engagement strategies within the EU, analysing regulatory developments, and serving as a vital connection point for European fund managers seeking to engage with MFA’s global network and offerings.

MFA’s advocacy work is timely in the context of recent EU developments, such as the European Parliament’s advancement of the Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive (AIFMD) agreement. MFA praised the agreement for recognising the crucial role of alternative asset managers in EU capital markets and for preserving EU investors’ access to global investment expertise. This regulatory framework aims to bolster the EU’s Capital Markets Union by fostering competitiveness, efficiency, and dynamism—goals aligned with MFA’s broader mission.

Situated in Brussels, MFA benefits from the city’s role as a hub for EU policymaking. Brussels hosts the Permanent Representation of Belgium to the EU, which plays a critical role in government liaison and policy coordination at the European level. This vibrant diplomatic environment underscores the strategic importance of MFA’s expanded presence and engagement within the EU institutions.

In sum, Nicolò Bertoncello’s appointment reflects MFA’s strategic emphasis on strengthening member advocacy in Europe during a period of significant regulatory evolution. His blend of policy acumen and practical experience is expected to enhance MFA’s influence as the association navigates the complexities of EU capital markets reform and fosters a collaborative dialogue between industry stakeholders and policymakers.