By Kea Koffman, Communication and Language Services (FSCA)
Elmarie Hamman is the Departmental Head for Financial Benchmarks who was recently seconded to work with the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA). A secondment is referred to as job rotation and is a chance for the employee to experience a different environment with a different team and in a different organisation. In other words, to receive a secondment is like the job-equivalent of an exchange student programme. One could also look at it as resource sharing and skills transfer where the seconded employee gets to gain experience from another regulator.
Either way this secondment is an exciting development. We asked Elmarie what it entails to receive this, and what it means to the organisation.
1. Please give us a brief background to your journey with the FSCA?
In 2007, I was initially appointed by the Capital Markets Department as a Manager. I changed departments in 2009 and assumed management of the Risk Department, the Supply Chain Unit, Facilities, and OHS. Thereafter I returned to the Capital Markets Department as a researcher, briefly working in the Regulatory Frameworks Department before being appointed the HOD: Financial Benchmarks in 2019. The division was recently restructured in 2020 to include the supervision of Credit Rating Agencies into my portfolio. I also inherited responsibility for the supervision of Central Securities Depositories, Clearing Houses, and Central Counter Parties.
2. What is your current role and what do your daily duties include?
I am the Head of the Department: Market Risk and Transparency in the Market Integrity and Decision Science Division. I am responsible for overseeing the supervision of Central and Clearing Houses and Central Counter Parties as well as Credit Rating Agencies. The FSCA is currently completing the regulatory framework which will be applicable to Financial Benchmark Providers and once finalized the Department will also be responsible for the supervision of licensed Financial Benchmark Providers.
3. What does it mean to be seconded by the organisation for this position?
The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) appoints Seconded National Experts to foster cooperation with other regulatory and supervisory authorities. It enables ESMA to benefit from their professional knowledge and experience and in return exposes them to the European Union’s regulatory and supervisory environment to enhance their skills.
4. What does this opportunity mean for you, and what do you most look forward to?
I look forward to learning and gaining knowledge and increasing professional development from the European Union's regulatory and supervisory experts, especially with respect to the supervision and regulation of financial benchmark providers and credit rating agencies. I am also excited about meeting new people, being exposed to new cultures, exploring new places and hopefully learn how to prepare one or two traditional French dishes.
5. Besides your loved ones, what will you miss the most about South Africa?
A good old South African Braai with friends.
6. What words of encouragement would you give to aspiring colleagues?
Never stop learning and enhancing your skills and knowledge. If you have discipline, drive, and determination nothing is impossible.
7. On a lighter note, tell us a fun fact about you!
I am one of identical twins and if I do not greet you outside the office, it is probably my twin and not me.
In conclusion, just as Elmarie learns invaluable skills and knowledge, so too will the ESMA learn of how things are done here at FSCA. We wish her a wonderful experience. | 
