Longden will focus on expanding the firm's fixed income and credit businesses. He will also develop new products and services designed to bring greater transparency and liquidity to the fast-growing carbon markets.

Longden joins Markit from ABN AMRO where he worked for 12 years, most recently as global head of credit trading and eco-markets. He was the chief architect of the iBoxx CDS Notes, the forerunner of the iTraxx CDS indices which Markit now owns. Prior to ABN AMRO, Longden worked in bond sales and trading at Royal Bank of Scotland.

Kevin Gould, Executive Vice President and Head of Data Products and Analytics at Markit, commented: "We are delighted to have Charlie on board. He has played a significant role in the credit markets, notably in the index space, and we have worked with him closely for many years. Charlie's experience in the eco-markets will also be a great asset to the firm as we develop our offering for this expanding asset class."

Charles Longden said: "Having been familiar with Markit for a number of years, I am very excited about this opportunity and look forward to contributing to the success and dynamic growth of this company."

Longden, who will be based in London, will join Markit at the end of May.