Paulina Dejmek Hack Will Lead EU Financial Services
Financial services firms should prepare for a leadership change as Dejmek Hack takes over the DG Fisma department.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in People
The European Commission has appointed Paulina Dejmek Hack to head its financial services department, DG Fisma, effective October 1, 2026. She will succeed John Berrigan following his retirement from the role.
Why it matters
This leadership transition signals continuity in the regulatory environment for financial firms operating across Europe. The department is responsible for managing EU financial services regulation, directly influencing the compliance frameworks that dictate capital requirements and market conduct.
Paulina Dejmek Hack brings over two decades of experience to the role, succeeding John Berrigan as he concludes his tenure. The transition impacts the primary regulatory authority governing the EU financial sector.
The players
Paulina Dejmek Hack
A Swedish-Czech civil servant with over 20 years of experience in EU regulatory affairs who currently serves as deputy head of DG Fisma.
John Berrigan
An Irish civil servant retiring from his role as the head of the European Commission's financial services department.
European Commission
The executive branch of the European Union responsible for drafting and enforcing financial services regulation across the single market.
The details
As the incoming head of DG Fisma, Dejmek Hack will oversee the implementation and development of rules governing capital markets, banking, and insurance across member states. Her transition from her current position as deputy head provides institutional continuity as the body navigates ongoing policy cycles. Businesses should monitor how the leadership shift influences the pace of pending legislative implementation and supervisory focus.
Timeline
The appointment was announced on September 30, 2026.
Paulina Dejmek Hack assumes the new role on October 1, 2026.
Market Landscape
This leadership appointment follows the long-term regulatory precedent established by the EU Financial Services Action Plan. The shift occurs within an established cycle of institutional oversight intended to maintain integration across European capital markets.
Financial operators should review their regulatory compliance calendars for any shifts in supervisory guidance as the new department head transitions into the role. Keep a close watch for the first policy circulars issued under the new leadership for signals regarding future market oversight priorities.
The takeaway
The appointment of a long-time deputy as the new head suggests a transition focused on operational continuity rather than radical policy pivots. Operators should monitor the first 90 days of the new tenure for early administrative signals that may impact pending regulatory compliance deadlines.
Further reading
For more on upcoming shifts in regulatory management, visit the People section.
