In this file photo, Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission Chief Executive Officer Ashley Alder speaks during a luncheon at the Hong Kong Foreign Correspondents' Club on May 22, 2012. (AARON TAM / AFP)

The United Kingdom’s (UK) Financial Conduct Authority is considering hiring the head of Hong Kong’s Securities and Futures Commission, Ashley Alder, as its next chief executive officer, Sky News reported on Sunday.

As a permanent replacement to Andrew Bailey, who was appointed governor of the Bank of England in December, Alder would be heading up the UK financial sector’s watchdog as it seeks to navigate its way through the coronavirus crisis

As a permanent replacement to Andrew Bailey, who was appointed governor of the Bank of England in December, Alder would be heading up the UK financial sector’s watchdog as it seeks to navigate its way through the coronavirus crisis.

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The FCA’s interim CEO, Chris Woolard, is also a contender for the role, alongside a small number of external candidates, Sky News reported, citing senior bankers it didn’t identify.

Alder has been head of Hong Kong’s Securities and Futures Commission since 2011, and will step down when his contract expires in September.

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