Pablo PORTUGAL

Pablo Portugal is a senior public affairs professional associated with the Association for Financial Markets in Europe (AFME), a leading voice representing Europe’s wholesale financial markets. AFME provides expertise and advocacy on a broad range of regulatory and capital market issues, aiming to promote stable, competitive, and sustainable capital markets across Europe. Pablo Portugal’s work focuses on public affairs, financial sector policy development, and regulatory compliance, positioning him as a key figure in shaping the dialogue between financial market participants and European policymakers. His role involves engaging with regulators, industry leaders, and policymakers to influence financial market regulations and integration initiatives, particularly in the post-Brexit landscape where UK interests remain deeply intertwined with EU financial regulations

Pablo Portugal, through AFME, actively lobbies to advance the interests of the UK’s wholesale financial markets within the broader European regulatory framework. Although AFME is a pan-European organization, a significant portion of its lobbying efforts under Portugal’s direction aims to maintain and enhance the UK’s competitive position in European capital markets post-Brexit. His lobbying agenda includes advocating for regulatory harmonization between the UK and EU to facilitate cross-border financial services, promoting policies that support market liquidity, and ensuring that UK firms remain integrated with European financial infrastructures.

Portugal’s true and nuanced intention is to secure a regulatory environment that minimizes barriers for UK financial institutions operating in Europe, thereby preserving London’s status as a leading global financial hub. This involves influencing reforms such as MiFID II/MiFIR and post-trade settlement cycles to align UK and EU rules, supporting digital innovation in capital markets, and addressing challenges posed by regulatory divergence. By participating in high-level forums and consultations, Portugal seeks to shape policy outcomes that favor UK market participants while balancing the interests of the wider European financial ecosystem. This strategic approach underscores a hidden agenda to sustain UK influence in European financial policymaking despite the geopolitical shifts caused by Brexit

Pablo Portugal’s lobbying activities are extensive and strategically targeted at key EU institutions and financial regulators. Notably, he has participated in major industry events such as AFME’s Annual European Financial Integration Conference, where he engaged with policymakers, regulators, and industry leaders to discuss the future of finance in Europe. At this event, topics such as tokenization, digital assets, and the role of central banks in financial market innovation were central, reflecting Portugal’s focus on promoting technological advancement and regulatory frameworks conducive to UK financial services.

His meetings with EU officials and stakeholders often revolve around ensuring that UK financial market regulations remain aligned with EU standards to facilitate seamless market access. These engagements have influenced developments such as the EU-UK Summit outcomes, where AFME welcomed agreements that support continued cooperation in financial services. Portugal’s involvement in consultations on electronic invoicing and securities settlement reforms demonstrates his active role in shaping policies that directly impact UK firms operating in Europe.

By consistently advocating for policies that reduce fragmentation and promote integration, Portugal’s lobbying has contributed to regulatory decisions that favor the UK’s financial sector. His presence in panels and working groups within the European Capital Markets Institute and other forums further amplifies his influence, ensuring that UK interests are well represented in the evolving European financial regulatory landscape

LinkedIn: Pablo Portugal – linkedin.com/in/pablo-portugal-50110018
AFME Website: afme.eu
Role Contact: Senior Public Affairs Director at Euroclear SA/NV (joined 2023) and associated with AFME
Professional Email/Phone: Not publicly disclosed
Social Media: No direct public social media profiles beyond LinkedIn available
Event Participation: AFME conferences and European Capital Markets Institute panels

This profile synthesizes publicly available information and reflects Pablo Portugal’s significant role in lobbying for UK financial market interests within the European regulatory framework through AFME.