The Financial Services Institute of Australasia’s (Finsia) interim CEO Russell Thomas will now take on the job permanently.

Mr Thomas took on the temporary role in February following the resignation of Martin Fahy. He says he is “thrilled” to win the permanent appointment.

He has spent the past eight years at the institute, most recently as Director of Policy and Professional Development. He has also previously worked in legal publishing and professional education roles.

“Substantial changes in the regulatory and licensing framework for providers of financial services, the global integration of financial services hubs and the need for portable credentials means there is a very real need for a singular focus and voice for financial service professionals,” Mr Thomas said.