Chris Fix is a highly accomplished international executive with over 30 years of expertise in banking, finance, and exchange operations, specializing in commodities and derivatives. With 22 years of experience working overseas, Chris has held numerous senior roles, including CEO and APAC Regional Managing Director, showcasing his proven leadership in managing diverse teams across the Middle East and Asia. His passion for creative problem-solving and business development has driven him to elevate existing platforms to achieve next-level growth.
Chris has spent the past 17 years managing businesses along the trade corridors from the Middle East to Asia, with extensive experience in China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Southeast Asia, Australia, Japan, Taiwan, and Korea. He possesses deep product knowledge across exchange-traded futures and options, OTC derivatives, and commodities such as oil, metals, and agriculture. Recently, he has ventured into digital assets and emissions, demonstrating his adaptability to emerging markets.
In his most recent role as Managing Director for Asia Pacific at CME Group (June 2015 – March 2022), Chris oversaw the operations of six offices with over 300 employees. Under his leadership, CME Group achieved significant business growth, doubling APAC revenues and increasing Asian Hour trading volumes. He developed innovative strategies to enhance CME’s appeal, making it a globally relevant exchange within local markets. Chris frequently represented CME in media and public speaking engagements, reinforcing the company’s presence in the region.
Previously, as CEO of Dubai Mercantile Exchange (August 2012 – June 2015), Chris led the growth and management of the Dubai-based crude oil exchange. He successfully increased trading volumes, reduced costs, and expanded the use of the DME Oman futures contract. Chris established strong relationships with key stakeholders in the crude oil market and worked closely with the Dubai Financial Services Authority to promote Dubai as a significant financial hub.
Chris’s career began at BNP Paribas, where he spent 20 years in various investment banking roles, culminating in heading BNP Commodity Futures in Singapore. He expanded BNP’s futures business across Asia Pacific and built a substantial Chinese oil major client base. Chris’s expertise includes client financing, derivatives hedging, and delivery cycle transactions.
In addition to his professional achievements, Chris has held board positions at Dubai Mercantile Exchange and Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Berhad, where he provided executive guidance and supported business development initiatives. He has also completed the BNP Paribas Credit Training Program and holds a B.A. in History and Political Science from the State University of New York at Binghamton. Chris studied Chinese and Chinese history at Beijing Teachers College, further enhancing his cultural and linguistic proficiency.
Fluent in French, with intermediate Chinese and basic Russian skills, Chris continues to study Chinese, reflecting his commitment to continuous learning and cross-cultural communication. His comprehensive knowledge, strategic mindset, and effective communication skills make Chris Fix a distinguished leader in the global finance and commodities sector.
Character: Chris Fix exemplifies leadership and integrity, fostering collaboration and trust across diverse teams and cultures.
Knowledge: With 30 years of expertise in banking, finance, and commodities, Chris has deep product knowledge and a strong understanding of financial markets and derivatives.
Strategic: Chris demonstrates strategic acumen by driving significant business growth, implementing innovative strategies, and navigating complex international markets.
Communication: Chris excels in communication, effectively representing organizations in media, engaging with stakeholders, and fostering transparent and productive dialogues.