PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
European Federation of Financial Analysts Societies (EFFAS)
20 January 2026
EFFAS Announces Strengthened Leadership:
Hans Buysse Appointed as Chair of the Executive Management Committee;
Paul Severin Joins EMC as Austria’s Representative
EFFAS is pleased to announce a renewed leadership structure within its Executive Management Committee (EMC) following the Extraordinary General Meeting on 19 January 2026.
Hans Buysse, a long‑standing contributor to EFFAS and respected European finance leader, has been confirmed as Chair of the EMC, assuming responsibility for strategic direction, communication between EMC and the EFFAS Office, and oversight of financial matters.
Hans Buysse brings extensive experience from his leadership roles across European financial institutions and professional associations. His mandate includes guiding EFFAS through its strategic agenda for 2026, which places strong emphasis on operational resilience, reinforcement of certification programs, and the strengthening of EFFAS as a European think tank.
“EFFAS stands at an important juncture. Our priorities for 2026 strengthen our foundation while expanding our international reach. I look forward to working with colleagues across Europe to reinforce EFFAS’ role as a leading voice in financial analysis and sustainable finance.”
New EMC Appointment: Paul Severin Represents Austria
EFFAS also welcomes Mag. Paul Severin, CEFA, elected by the EFFAS Board as a new member of the EMC for the term January 2026 to June 2029. He serves as the official representative of Austria, succeeding Fritz Mostböck.
Within the Committee, Severin assumes responsibility for International Relations, Communication, Marketing & EFFAS Promotion.
Severin’s longstanding background in communications strategy, digital transformation, and European financial industry engagement will contribute to strengthening EFFAS’ visibility, outreach, and partnerships across markets.
“It is an honour to join the EMC and represent Austria. I look forward to supporting EFFAS’ strategic agenda and advancing communication, visibility, and international cooperation.”
A Strengthened EMC for a Transformative Phase
EFFAS enters 2026 navigating changing regulatory landscapes, shifting attitudes toward ESG, and the need to diversify beyond highly successful certifications such as CESGA® and ECRA®.
Under the leadership of Hans Buysse, the EMC will focus on:
- Advancing training and certification, with emphasis on ESG, climate risk, and professional standards;
- Thought leadership, enhancing EFFAS’ influence with European policymakers, regulators, and global standard‑setters;
- International expansion, extending partnerships across Europe, Asia, and Latin America.
The new composition of the EMC also includes Thorsten Müller (Deputy Chair), Manuel Puerta (Treasurer), Martine Leonard, Marco Ravagli, Jannicke Rustad‑Nilssen, and Francisco Uría, bringing together broad expertise across finance, regulation, ESG, education, and digitalisation.
About EFFAS
EFFAS is a Not-for-profit organisation set up in 1962 with 15 national member associations in Europe, representing more than 18,000 Financial analysts, Asset managers, pension fund managers, corporate finance specialists, risk managers, treasurers among many other professional profiles from the investment profession. EFFAS is a certification body for finance with over 27,000 certificate holders worldwide.
For any further information, please contact:
Álvaro Wagener Díez | Marketing & Communications Manager
E-mail: a.wagener@effas.com | Phone Number: +49 69 98959519
