FSA managing director will leave in March

FSA managing director Margaret Cole will leave in March after nearly seven years at the regulator.

Cole joined the FSA as director of enforcement in July 2005, following 20 years as a commercial litigation lawyer. She was appointed to the FSA board as managing director of enforcement and financial crime in September 2010.

Cole said: “It has been a challenging but rewarding few years and I believe, with the help of a team of quality people, I have created a successful enforcement platform to take into the UK’s new regulatory authorities. The time has come for me to seek a fresh challenge, knowing that I leave the continuation of a winning strategy in safe hands.”

FSA chief executive Hector Sants said: “Margaret has been pivotal in transforming the FSA’s approach to enforcement and she leaves a substantial legacy, widely respected in legal, regulatory and international circles.

“I would like to express my personal thanks, and those of the organisation, for all that Margaret has achieved and I wish her every success in whatever future challenge she chooses next.”