Meet our new board member: Philip Bille 

Newly appointed board member, Philip Bille – Head of Buy-side Dealing & Market Structure at Degroof Petercam – shares his perspective on industry evolution, practical change and why buy-in, not box-ticking, is key to sustainability. 

Philip is refreshingly frank about the trading industry’s past and optimistic about its future. He has followed Sustainable Trading since its earliest days and now calls it ‘the best platform that exists today’ to help steer the industry in a more sustainable direction. A view shaped by years of hands-on involvement and a belief that real change must come from within. 

Philip steps in at a pivotal time, as Sustainable Trading enters its fourth year and momentum for industry wide change continues to grow. Joining the board is a chance to play a more active role in shaping the future of responsible trading. 

You’ve supported Sustainable Trading from the beginning. Why join the board now? 

I’ve believed in the mission since day one. Even before it officially launched, I remember Duncan presenting the concept at the International TraderForum, and it immediately struck a chord. Degroof Petercam joined in the first year, and we were proud to be the first Belgian member. That early commitment reflected how aligned we were with the network and its goals. 

Three years in feels like the right moment. The organisation is still young enough to influence meaningfully, but mature enough to have demonstrated its value. Joining the board is not just about governance for me. I see it as a way to help steer the industry and champion a platform that’s truly helping firms make real change. 

What aspects of Sustainable Trading’s work stand out most for you? 

The standout for me is the quality of the collaborative process, particularly the development of best practices and member progress framework, which I find both impressive and impactful. These aren’t theoretical tools. They’re grounded in the realities firms face every day and shaped by members through structured, well-prepared workshops.  

What I’ve appreciated is how interactive the process is. You’re not just handed a document – you contribute, debate, iterate. There’s a richness in how regional differences and firm specific challenges are brought into the discussion. That’s what makes the outputs so valuable. They’re practical. They speak to the real world. 

How has being a member benefited your firm? 

For us, it’s a win-win. You contribute to industry wide development while gaining practical tools you can implement internally. The member progress framework offers a clear roadmap and it saves you from reinventing the wheel. That’s hugely valuable in a large organisation like ours where responsibility is shared across functions. It allows us to align with a recognised standard and drive change at a manageable pace – having the structure of the framework makes a real difference. 

Being an early member is something we’re proud of. The Sustainable Trading label carries weight, both internally and externally. And the tools it provides help us reinforce and demonstrate our commitment across the business. 

Sustainability can’t sit off to the side, it has to shape how the organisation operates. And by showing results – whether that’s governance improvements, stronger counterparty alignment or clear progress on internal goals – you build credibility and momentum from within. That’s what helps sustainability move from being a standalone initiative to being part of the culture. 

What role does your expertise in market structure and trading strategy play in the sustainability conversation? 

If you picture a trading floor 20 years ago, it’s hard to match it with today’s vision of sustainability. If you looked at it through the lens of energy use, diversity or wellbeing – they just didn’t fit in the picture.  

That’s not a criticism of the people, it’s how the industry looked at the time. We have come a long way, but trading still has some ground to make up compared to other areas of finance, like asset management, where sustainability is often more established and visible. But that legacy is why this transition matters.  

Market structure and execution strategy might not seem like the obvious starting points, but they influence outcomes in meaningful ways. Who you trade with, how you assess counterparties, how your systems operate. All of these have sustainability implications. My role is about recognising that and helping to shift thinking and practices from within. 

Where should the industry focus its efforts right now? 

There’s no simple one-size-fits-all answer to this. What’s easy for one firm might be difficult for another, depending on size, region or business model. The key is knowing where you are, identifying what’s achievable and focusing on what willhave the greatest impact. It’s about building momentum.  

Some changes are quick wins; others take more time. That’s where Sustainable Trading’s member progress framework is so valuable. It shows what good looks like, offers structure and benchmarks, and helps firms move forward in a way that fits their business. 

Sometimes it’s about closing gaps; other times it’s about strengthening what you already do well. Either way, progress comes from action, no matter how small. 

How can the industry accelerate progress more broadly? 

Change is most effective when it comes from conviction, not just compliance. Yes, regulation plays a role, but lasting transformation really happens when firms see the value – better talent, better reputation, better performance. 

What the industry needs is alignment. That’s where platforms like Sustainable Trading come in. By building consensus, encouraging collaboration and helping firms move in the same direction. When enough firms lead by example, the industry reaches a new baseline and others follow, whether by choice or necessity. And that’s how real progress takes hold. 

What would you say to firms or individuals looking to engage more deeply in sustainability in financial markets? 

Start now. Whether you’re considering membership or simply trying to move the needle, this is the time to get involved. The earlier you engage, the more influence you’ll have. Both internally within your organisation and across the wider industry. 

Most of the important work is happening now, and Sustainable Trading gives you a seat at the table. It’s not a passive membership. You help define the standards. You contribute your voice. And in return, you get practical tools, a clear roadmap and a community that shares your challenges and helps you solve them.

It’s not about being perfect, it’s about making progress. And the sooner you start, the more impact you’ll make. 

Finally, how do you like to spend your time when you’re not working? 

Family comes first. I also picked up golf a few years ago as a way to disconnect from the screens and spend more time outdoors.  

I enjoy travel, especially places that combine culture and landscape. City breaks across Europe are always a highlight, but most memorable experiences are when discovering the natural world. There’s something to be said about switching off completely and immersing in nature – it brings a deep sense of peace and perspective that’s hard to find anywhere else.