This follows the announcement that Ian Johnston will step down as Chief Executive Asia Pacific on 31 December 2012 and retire in 2013.

"Ian's contributions to the Asia Pacific region and to SWIFT as a global organisation are significant" says Leibbrandt. "In particular, he stands out as a role model for people management and strategic leadership, as well as his constant advocacy for the 'customer-first' mentality that we all strive for at SWIFT. We have achieved much in the region: the AP Strategy out to 2015 has Board support, the AP Strategic Initiatives are progressing, and we achieved increased Board representation with China and retained the amalgamated seat represented by India. Ian's leadership has been instrumental in this and I am looking forward to finishing off 2012 on a high note for the region together with Ian."

Alain Raes will relocate from Belgium to Singapore in order to drive implementation of SWIFT's Asia Pacific growth strategy from within the region. He will engage closely with customers and SWIFT teams throughout Asia-Pacific, while maintaining his hands-on leadership role in EMEA. The clear strategies and exceptionally strong management teams in place in both regions will support Alain in successfully fulfilling this demanding dual role.

"In EMEA, Alain has proved his strategic business development expertise, and the power of focus to drive growth," says Leibbrandt. "I am very confident that by applying these skills in, and extending this approach to, our Asia-Pacific business, Alain will be successful in building on the impressive results Ian and team have already achieved and fulfilling the further potential of our business in the region."

Commenting on his new role, Alain adds: "I am excited and honoured to have the opportunity to drive forward SWIFT's business in Asia-Pacific. I see many synergies between EMEA and Asia-Pacific - such as the mix of mature and developing markets and the need for 'go local' approaches as well as support for regional harmonisation - and I believe we can capitalise on these to grow our business in both regions. I look forward to building on the strong foundations Ian has laid and to working with the excellent teams in both EMEA and Asia-Pacific to deliver on our strategy, achieve our growth ambitions, and ensure SWIFT continues to increase in relevance and value to the Asia-Pacific region."