Robert Zekraus has joined Pirum as chief operating officer and head of the Americas.
Zekraus left Scotiabank for financial services technology vendor Pirum Systems and has been on gardening leave since February.
He vacated his position as managing director, global banking and markets, prime services at the Canadian multinational, a role he held in New York for six-and-a-half years.
In addition, Zekraus served on the bank’s US board and on the board of directors at Scotia Capital in an advisory capacity.
Before Scotiabank, Zekraus worked for more than a decade at Barclays Investment Bank, in both New York and London. During his 15-year tenure at the banking giant, Zekraus was head of US securities lending and worked in the equity finance funding and financing sales division.
On his new role, Zekraus says: “I am looking forward to collaborating with my new colleagues and the leadership team at Pirum as we continue to help the securities finance industry transform itself through innovative and proprietary technology solutions.
“I’m eager to work with our clients helping them enhance processing efficiency, reduce operational risk, meet regulatory requirements, transform collateral and improve profitability. Pirum is uniquely positioned to advance in this space and I am excited about the prospects of building out the Americas business, which is key to our global growth strategy, in alignment with our future tech initiatives.”
Pirum CEO Phil Morgan said at the time of Zekraus’ announcement in February: “I am extremely excited to have attracted someone of Bob’s caliber to the business and my management team. He brings with him significant experience in global markets, collateral management and financial technology.
“This, coupled with his personality, connectivity and work ethic will immediately accelerate our business trajectory in North America and beyond.”
The senior hire comes as part of Morgan’s ambitions to grow his firm’s North American presence this year.
Speaking exclusively to SFT shortly after assuming the top job, Morgan outlined plans to double Pirum’s New York team and bring new products to market.
