MAS Markets Named Simon Naish Head of APAC

The firm appointed the former ATFX executive to lead its strategic growth and operations across the Asia-Pacific region.

Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in People

MAS Markets Named Simon Naish Head of APAC

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MAS Markets has appointed Simon Naish as its new Head of APAC. In this role, Naish will oversee the company's regional strategic vision and market expansion efforts.

Why it matters

The appointment aims to accelerate market penetration and team development across Asia-Pacific. Naish intends to build operational foundations and partnerships to capture regional growth opportunities.

Simon Naish brings over three decades of financial industry experience to his new role, including 33 years at National Australia Bank. The firm, founded by Simon Blackledge in 2021, aims to leverage this background to expand its regional footprint.

The players

Simon Naish

He is the new Head of APAC for MAS Markets and previously served as the Australia Country Head for ATFX.

Simon Blackledge

He is the founder of MAS Markets, having established the company in 2021.

Harry Fry

He is the former APAC head at MAS Markets who has moved to a new position at Edgewater Markets.

The details

Naish will work directly with the senior leadership of the MAS Group to drive the company's market presence and organizational structure. His transition follows the departure of Harry Fry, who previously held the APAC leadership position and has since joined Edgewater Markets.

Timeline

  1. MAS Markets was founded in 2021.

  2. The appointment of Simon Naish was announced on October 13, 2026.

Market Landscape

This leadership change aligns with the ongoing expansion of financial services firms into Asia-Pacific markets as companies race to establish strong regional footprints. By securing experienced talent, MAS Markets is positioning itself to compete more aggressively against established players in the sector.

The transition in regional leadership signals a shift in operational focus that may eventually influence the service offerings available to clients in the Asia-Pacific market. Customers can expect potential updates to regional partnership strategies as the new leadership team settles into their roles.

The takeaway

Leadership transitions like this serve as a critical indicator of a company's shifting priorities in highly competitive global markets. Stakeholders and clients should monitor subsequent announcements regarding new operational partnerships or service expansions in the region.

Further reading

Learn more about the latest leadership movements in the industry on the People section page.

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