Clara Furse has been chief executive of the London Stock Exchange since February 2001.

Prior to joining the Exchange, Clara was Group Chief Executive of Credit Lyonnais Rouse from 1998 to 2000.

Clara's career has spanned a broad range of global financial markets. She began her career in 1979 as a broker, joining Phillips and Drew (now UBS) in 1983, becoming a Director of the company in 1988, Executive Director in 1992, Managing Director in 1995 and Global Head of Futures in 1996. In addition, she served as a board member and Deputy Chairman of LIFFE (1991-1999).

Clara was educated at schools in Colombia, Denmark and Britain, she studied at the London School of Economics, speaks several European languages and lives in London with her husband and three children. She is a member of the Board of Euroclear plc, LCH.Clearnet and Fortis. She is also a Companion of the Chartered Management Institute, a member of the CBI President’s Committee, and a Member of the Court of the Worshipful Company of International Bankers.