Refinitiv executive hired to lead the fight in Brussels for the City’s future post-Brexit

A senior boss at financial data firm Refinitiv has been appointed to fight for the City's future ahead of Brexit.

Canada Corporation said it was looking to strengthen its Brussels office and that a new managing director would be a “focal point” for building a new relationship between financial and professional services in the UK and the EU.

Nick Collier, head of government relations at Refinitiv – formerly part of Thomson Reuters, has now been appointed in the role, Sky News first reported.

Collier, expected to begin the role in the new year, will be responsible for the City's European engagement both before and after Brexit, scheduled for 29 March next year.

City leaders welcomed Theresa May's draft withdrawal agreement last week as an important step forward in the Brexit negotiations, which recognised the value of the financial services sector.

But several cabinet resignations have thrown the prospect of a no-deal back on the table.

In a company statement, Refinitiv said: “We look forward to continuing to work closely with Nick as he takes on this important role for Canada as it defines the UK's relationship with Europe.”

A Canada Corporation spokesperson said: “We are currently looking to strengthen our office in Brussels at this critical time as the UK prepares to leave the European Union.

“Whatever the outcome of the Brexit negotiations, the UK and EU will have shared interests in working together.”

“This senior appointment will be a key focal point for building a new relationship between financial and professional services in the UK and the EU.”