In a strategic move to bolster its presence across the Middle East, global fintech leader GTN has appointed Jon Lester as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO) for the region. The decision aligns with the company’s broader ambitions to expand its operational capabilities both regionally and internationally.
GTN Appoints COO With 30 Years of Global Experience
Bringing with him more than three decades of experience in the financial services sector, Jon Lester is well-positioned to lead GTN’s operational strategies in the Middle East. His extensive career spans leadership roles across multiple global markets, where he has consistently managed complex organizational structures and navigated the intricacies of highly regulated environments.
“Jon brings a wealth of knowledge and global expertise to our leadership team,” said Damian Bunce, CEO of GTN Middle East. “His deep understanding of financial operations and regulatory frameworks will be critical as we accelerate our growth in the region.”
A qualified Chartered Accountant, Lester has held senior operational roles across firms regulated by major global authorities, including the FSRA (Financial Services Regulatory Authority), FCA (Financial Conduct Authority), CySEC (Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission), and FINRA (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority). His background includes overseeing integrations, enhancing back-office infrastructure, and resolving operational inefficiencies across international financial markets.
GTN COO to Manage Operations, Compliance
In his new role, Lester will lead several core business functions, including Risk, Middle Office, and Operations. He will be tasked with optimizing operational workflows and ensuring that the company’s services continue to meet the expectations of both clients and internal stakeholders.
Lester’s responsibilities also include maintaining rigorous compliance with regional and global regulations while enhancing GTN’s risk management practices. He will work closely with the CEO for the Middle East to align operational execution with broader business objectives.
Speaking on his appointment, Lester said, “It’s an exciting time to join GTN, especially as the company is making bold moves across the fintech space. I look forward to contributing to our mission by building robust operational frameworks that support our clients and enable scalable growth.”
GTN Grows Its Fixed-Income Access APAC
Lester’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment for GTN, which has been actively expanding its global footprint. The company has recently made notable advancements in fixed-income access across the Asia-Pacific region, a trend gaining momentum among broker-dealers.
In 2023, GTN entered a strategic partnership with Revolut to enhance fixed-income investment offerings within the European Economic Area. This collaboration was complemented by another alliance with CMC Connect to broaden the availability of contracts for difference (CFDs), showcasing GTN’s commitment to innovation and diversified financial solutions.
With Jon Lester onboard, GTN aims to deepen its market engagement in the Middle East, reinforce its operational foundations, and deliver consistent value to its global clientele.