Securities Authority CEO Oded Shapira to Depart After Seven Years

Oded Shapira, the CEO of the Israel Securities Authority (ISA), will conclude his tenure in December, after serving the organization for 25 years in various roles, including the last seven as CEO. In his capacity as CEO, Shapira was responsible for the ISA's daily operations, strategic planning, and annual budget management.

Shapira was appointed CEO during the term of former ISA Chair Anat Guetta, and later worked under current Chair Sefi Zinger. His promotion to CEO followed an organizational restructuring that consolidated human resources, resources, and logistics under one management umbrella, moving him from his previous role as the Authority's Secretary-General.

During Shapira's leadership, the ISA focused on promoting fintech companies as direct competitors to traditional banks, notably through advancements in open banking under the Financial Information Services Law. This legislation allows customers to transfer their financial data from banks to other entities. At a Calcalist conference, Shapira criticized banks and their regulators, asserting they sought to protect banks from competition, thereby hindering the financial market's progress.

ISA Chair Sefi Zinger praised Shapira's contributions, calling him a "cornerstone" of the Authority who significantly shaped its professional and ethical standards. Zinger highlighted Shapira's role in modernizing the ISA and strengthening its position as a professional, innovative organization, wishing him success in his future endeavors.

Shapira expressed mixed feelings of pride and excitement upon his departure after 25 years with the ISA. He acknowledged the significant professional and personal journey, thanking those who supported him, particularly Chair Zinger, past chairs, and ISA employees, for their partnership in developing the Authority into a leading regulator impacting Israeli citizens' lives.