GH Financials, the London-based derivatives broker, has appointed its head of Asia Sharon Shi Ning as its new group chief executive officer, subject to regulatory approval.

GH, whose former CEO Mark Phelps left last month to become European head of GH rival RJ O’Brien, said on Monday it has appointed with immediate effect Sharon Shi Ning as its CEO-elect.

Her formal appointment as GH CEO is subject to UK regulatory approval while her planned move to London from her current base Hong Kong is dependent on the firm securing the necessary visa, the broker said.

Mark Ibbotson, group chairman of GH Financials, said in a statement: “We are delighted that Sharon Shi Ning has agreed to become our Group CEO and relocate from Asia to our head office in London. This is testament to the global and diverse nature of our business and client base.”

Ibbotson, who was GH CEO before he cleared the way for Phelps by becoming group chairman in 2018, added: “Sharon is a respected and experienced futures leader on the international stage, and will take the company to the next level. Our thanks also go to fellow Group Board Director and Group CFO, Ben Hepden, for his excellent stewardship of the Group through the recent leadership transition.”

Shi, who joined the broker ten years ago, was latterly the managing director of GH Financials Hong Kong, responsible for GH’s fast-growing Asian business. She was also a board director of the London-based group.

The GH CEO-elect is also the chair of FIA Asia, the Asian arm of the global trade body, and sits on the FIA board of directors.

Before joining GH, Shi held various trading and banking roles in Mainland China, and worked for a period at Shanghai Futures Exchange.

The appointment draws a line under a period of uncertainty at GH Financials that began in December when the firm said Phelps was leaving for RJO.

Shi’s appointment and relocation to London will make her the most high-profile female chief exec in a broking industry still dominated by men.