Mentor
Michael Cole-Fontayn
Overview
Michael Cole-Fontayn is a highly respected financial services leader whose career spans more than three decades at the centre of global markets, regulation and industry advocacy. He spent 35 years with BNY Mellon, the last seven as Chair and CEO of Europe, Middle East and Africa, working with regulators, policymakers, investors and major institutional clients across multiple jurisdictions.
His experience gives him a distinctive perspective on how international financial systems operate in practice and how boards can balance commercial performance with stability, integrity and public trust. His remit included extensive leadership of CEO‑level succession planning, large‑scale organisational integration, and multi‑jurisdictional senior executive oversight.
Michael now holds a broad portfolio of governance and advisory roles. He is Chair of the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI), an Independent Director of JP Morgan Securities plc, Chair of the Board of International Business and Diplomatic Exchange (IBDE), a Board member of the Financial Markets Standards Board (FMSB), an Advisory Board Member of BritishAmerican Business and a member of the Advisory Board of the Official Monetary and Financial Institutions Forum (OMFIF) and on leadership council of TheCityUK.
He previously served as Chair of the Association for Financial Markets in Europe (AFME) from 2015–2021, Chair of Brown Shipley & Co Ltd, and as an Advisory Board Member of TheCityUK, as well as a member – and later Master – of the Court of the Merchant Taylors’ Company.
Alongside his market and governance work, Michael has a long-standing commitment to mental health, diversity and education. He is a Trustee of the Charlie Waller Trust and the education charity Engage with China, and serves as a patron for Women in Banking and Finance (WIBF) and the City Veterans Network.
Michael brings deep cross-sector expertise in:
• Global banking, securities & capital markets – 35 years at BNY Mellon and senior roles across the securities and investment industry in EMEA and US markets.
• Industry bodies, standards & regulation – chairing and advising leading trade associations and standards boards and working closely with regulators and policymakers.
• Board governance, risk & stakeholder engagement – serving as chair, independent director and adviser across banks, market participants and cross-border business forums.
• Mental health, inclusion & education – championing mental health, gender equity, veterans’ support and international education through charitable and civic roles.
In recognition of his contribution to the industry and the City, he was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) by City, University of London’s Business School in 2019. He is widely valued by boards and executives for his calm judgement, diplomatic style and ability to connect complex market dynamics with practical, values-led leadership.
PDF Profile
Download PDFMajor Career Roles
Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (EMEA)
Executive VP & Regional Chair & CEO
Corporate Executive Committee
Member
BNY Mellon NA
Division CEO - Depositary Receipts
Corporate Global Operating Committee
Member
Association for Financial Markets in Europe (AFME)
Chair
Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI)
Chair
Brown Shipley & Co Ltd
Chair
Other Career Highlights
JP Morgan Securities plc
Non-Executive Director
Financial Markets Standards Board Ltd (also Advisory Council Member)
Non-Executive Director
Merchant Taylors’ Catering Ltd
Non-Executive Director
Access to an unmatched roster of world-class Mentors
Our unrivalled global roster of board chairs and CEOs offers the seasoned wisdom of proven world-class leaders. Explore this rich array of talent and connect with us to begin a mentoring journey shaped around your leadership context.
