European Venues and Intermediaries Association

The European Venues and Intermediaries Association (EVIA) is a London-based trade association that represents and promotes the interests of wholesale market venues, platforms, and arranging intermediaries in the financial industry. Founded over 50 years ago, EVIA has established itself as a focal point for communication between its members and various stakeholders, including central banks, governments, and policymakers.
== History ==
EVIA's origins can be traced back to its predecessor organization, the Wholesale Markets Brokers' Association, which operated for over five decades. The association rebranded to its current name to reflect changes in the financial industry and to better represent its diverse membership.
===Sister Organization===
The European Venues and Intermediaries Association (EVIA) and the London Energy Brokers' Association (LEBA) share a close affiliation, often described as sister associations. LEBA, formed in 2003, is affiliated with EVIA (previously known as the Wholesale Markets Brokers' Association) and the two organizations offer joint resources to their members, particularly in regulatory compliance. While EVIA focuses on promoting and enhancing the value of Wholesale Market Venues, LEBA concentrates specifically on energy brokers in London. The organizations share leadership, with Alexander James McDonald serving as CEO for both entities. They also collaborate on data and indices, with LEBA providing indices for various energy markets that complement EVIA's broader market focus. The associations maintain joint operational committees and cross-reference each other on their websites, further emphasizing their close relationship. This partnership allows EVIA and LEBA to leverage their respective strengths and provide comprehensive support to their members across various aspects of wholesale markets and energy broking.
== Role and Functions ==
The primary objectives of EVIA include:
* Promoting and enhancing the value and competitiveness of wholesale market venues, platforms, and arranging intermediaries.
* Serving as a communication channel between members and regulatory bodies, governments, and other industry stakeholders.
* Advocating for the interests of its members in policy discussions and regulatory matters.
* Providing resources and support to members, particularly in areas of regulatory compliance.
== Membership ==
EVIA's membership typically consists of:
* Interdealer brokers
* Organized trading facilities (OTFs)
* Multilateral trading facilities (MTFs)
* Other wholesale market venues and platforms
== Leadership ==
The association is led by a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and operates with a rolling chairmanship. As of 2024:
* CEO: Alex McDonald (joined in 2009)
* Current Chairman: Elected from member firms, typically serving a one-year term
== Activities ==
EVIA engages in various activities to support its members and the broader financial industry:
* Regulatory advocacy
* Industry representation in policy discussions
* Provision of regulatory compliance resources
* Facilitation of communication between members and stakeholders
* Promotion of best practices in wholesale markets
== References ==
Category:Trade Associations
Category:Financial Services Organizations
Category:European Organizations
Category:Wholesale Markets Brokers' Association