Nicolas Aguzin
Alejandro Aguzin | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1968 Formosa, Argentina |
| Occupation | Banker |
| Years active | 1990–present |
| Known for | CEO of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (2021–2024), CEO of International Private Bank at J.P. Morgan Chase |
Alejandro Nicolás Aguzin (also known by the nickname Gucho; Chinese: 歐冠昇; born 1968) is a banker from Argentina. He held the position of chief executive officer at Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) from May 2021 until February 2024.
Prior to his role at HKEX, Aguzin was the CEO of the international private banking division at J.P. Morgan Chase.
Early life
Born circa 1968 in Formosa, Argentina, Aguzin attended St. George's College, Quilmes starting at age ten. He later obtained an undergraduate degree in Economics from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
Career
Aguzin began his career at J.P. Morgan Chase in 1990 as a financial analyst based in Buenos Aires. Between 1990 and 2005, he occupied various positions across Buenos Aires and New York, including leading the Investment Banking Division for Latin America. In 2005, he was promoted to CEO for Latin America.
In 2012, he transferred to Hong Kong with J.P. Morgan Chase, where from 2013 to 2020 he served as CEO for the Asia-Pacific region and also led the Investment Banking Division there. From 2019 until 2021, he was appointed CEO of the International Private Bank at J.P. Morgan Chase.
On 9 February 2021, HKEX declared that Aguzin would assume the role of chief executive officer starting on 24 May 2021, with a contract lasting three years through May 2024. His selection as a non-Chinese leader was considered surprising, with analysts highlighting the challenge of managing expectations from both Beijing regulators and Hong Kong’s financial community.
In December 2023, HKEX announced that Aguzin would not pursue renewal of his contract upon its expiration in May 2024. His leadership period encountered difficulties such as regulatory tightening, impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, and declining profits that led to a 42% drop in HKEX’s stock price. He departed two months ahead of schedule at the end of February 2024 and was succeeded by Bonnie Chan.
Personal life
Aguzin holds permanent residency in Hong Kong, where he resides with his spouse, Ines. He possesses Croatian citizenship and is fluent in Spanish, Portuguese, and English.
Known by his moniker Gucho, which reflects his dynamic personality, Aguzin is a member of the board of directors for MercadoLibre and serves on the boards of trustees for both the Asia Society and the Eisenhower Fellowships.