Mr Barkshire, currently Senior Advisor, in his new role will be responsible for driving the successful delivery of HKMEx's defined strategy and corporate objectives, developing key strategic alliances and joint ventures, as well as instituting and coordinating cross-departmental agendas and execution. He will continue to report directly to the Exchange's Chairman.

"Since our launch in May this year, our nascent exchange has been growing rapidly. Our trading volumes are up in excess of 90 percent since debut, and we have been adding new members to trade as market participants," said Barry Cheung, Chairman of HKMEx. "William's appointment demonstrates our commitment to growth, and his vast exchange industry and commercial experience will help us drive the exchange's overall expansion as we continue in our journey to become China's global marketplace."

Mr Barkshire has over 20 years of experience both as a broker and in senior management roles at major exchanges, post-trade services, and in the operation of alternative trading platforms. He was formerly Director of Corporate Strategy and a member of the Chief Executive's Committee at the London Stock Exchange. He has also held key positions at LCH.Clearnet Limited, European Repo Exchange Ltd (ERX), London International Financial Futures Exchange (Liffe), Euro Brokers, and Tradepoint Investment Exchange (now part of SIX Swiss Exchange). Mr Barkshire began his career at SG Warburg (now part of UBS AG).

Mr Barkshire is a member of the Treasury Markets Association's Market Practices Committee, as well as the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce's Financial Services and Treasury Committee. He is a graduate of Southampton University in the UK, with a degree in economics and business economics.