Bank of America executive Alexandre Bettamio is among the candidates being considered to become chief executive officer of Brazil's largest stock and derivatives exchange, B3 SA, according to Bloomberg sources. The move follows the departure of current CEO Gilson Finkelsztain, who left the post in June to become CEO of Banco Santander Brasil SA. Finkelsztain is expected to start his new role no later than July, accelerating the search for his successor.

B3 is also weighing internal candidates, including Luiz Masagao, vice president of products and clients at B3, who joined the exchange from Banco Santander in 2024. While a final decision hasn't been made and other candidates may be considered, Bettamio's candidacy represents a significant external option for the exchange. Bettamio, a veteran dealmaker who was BofA's global co-head of investment banking until August 2023, brings extensive Latin American banking experience, having led Merrill Lynch's Brazilian investment banking unit and later heading the entire business there around the time of BofA's acquisition of Merrill Lynch. His background positions him as a strong contender for the top role at Brazil's primary equity and derivatives market operator.