Michael Formann was nominated Head of Germany & Austria, Swift in May 2016. In this role, his main areas of focus are currently Swiftgpi (Global Payments Innovation), Instant Payments, Customer Security Programme, Compliance Portfolio. Prior to his current position, Michael was the Swift Country Manager for Austria of for ten years. Under his leadership, Swift Austria GmbH was established in November 2008. Out of Vienna he developed the Swift business activities and revenue for 19 countries in the CEE region. From 2005 to 2006 he was Regional Account Manager Germany, looking after buy-side clients, custodian banks and brokerage houses. He held overall responsibility of the funds business in Germany. Michael Formann started his career in the financial services industry 1995 at American Express Travel Related Services in Frankfurt, before moving to Swift in April 2000 as Senior Education Specialist. Michael holds a Master’s Degree equivalent in Economics issued by the German Economics Academy (VWA).