Former Saxo CEO joins CommSec

Former Saxo Bank Australia CEO Ben Smoker has joined CommSec as GM for broking and markets.

Smoker spent the last 18 months as an investment director to Westpac's private bank clients. He previously held equities and operational roles with GAIN Capital, RBS, Citi, and Deutsche Bank.

A spokesperson for CBA told Financial Standard, "In this role, Smoker will be looking after the trading and execution function, equity capital markets, and the distribution of the margin lending offering, international equities and exchange traded options for CommSec."

He replaces Brian Phelps, who left earlier this year after 21 years with the organisation.

Former BNY Melon country head Phil Filippelis replaced Smoker at Westpac.

Reporting from Jamie Williamson at Financial Standard contributed to this story.