The WFE's Women Leaders 2024 - Laura Bayley, CEO SIX x-clear at SIX

Name: Laura Bayley

Organisation: SIX
Job Title: CEO SIX x-clear

1. Brief job description

Laura Bayley is the CEO of SIX x-clear AG, SIX Group’s Swiss CCP. In this capacity she manages operational risks and day to day activities of the CCP and strives to continuously grow and increase the profitability of the business. She is responsible for building and maintaining senior client relationships and acts as a spokesperson and thought leader in the industry.

Within the group, Bayley also holds the title of Head Clearing Services, responsible for strategic, regulatory and governance topics across the whole clearing area, encompassing the two SIX CCPs, BME Clearing and SIX x-clear.

2. Short biography

Bayley has been at SIX since 2016, starting within the projects team, responsible for regulatory projects in the post-trade area and evolving her career from there. Before SIX, Bayley worked in a renowned Swiss law firm while attaining her law degree and in international procurement for a global manufacturing company.

Bayley holds a double degree in Sinology and Law and enjoys rediscovering the world with her two young sons and baking extravagant cakes and throwing elaborate birthday parties.

3. What were your professional highlights and challenges of 2023?

Highlights have been the growing collaboration between the post-trade entities of SIX and BME and being able to drive forward decisions key for the clearing unit. I also see enormous potential in new technologies such as generative AI. The advance and investment made in these technologies makes me confident that we will be able to make better use of our existing resources.

The strengthening of the Swiss Franc and rising interest rates have brought challenges to our organisation that we are still battling. Likewise, the growing global political turmoil and the effects they may have on our economic systems personally concern me and I hope that 2024 may bring positive change and stability.

4. Tell us about a few of your key achievements?

Key achievements of my career have certainly been the passing of the bar exam while working and becoming a mother and later the involvement in the SIX-BME integration project which helped give me the tools and contacts to become the CEO of SIX x-clear.

5. Who and what inspires you to achieve your professional success?

My husband has always supported and believed in me and pushed me to accept challenges when I was hesitant to do so. I have also been very lucky in all my current and previous bosses who have always believed in me and pushed me forward. I would not be where I am without them.

I am inspired by other leaders who lead with knowledge, vision, passion and compassion and who trust in their employees.

6. How have you overcome setbacks, and what have you learned from adversity?

Setbacks are a great way to learn but I believe it is equally important to let set-backs go and to look forward. Persevere and always keep on trying.

7. What advice do you have for other women who aspire to be in leadership positions? 

Never give up and never say no to an opportunity.