Abstract: A novel hydroprocessing catalyst comprising a cross-linked smectite as framework material and containing catalytically active transition metal derivatives permanently incorporated in specific forms as interlamellar components of the cross-linked smectite structure. Suitable cross-linked smectites include cross-linked forms of montmorillonite, beidellite, hectorite, synthetic fluorhectorite and other members of the smectite mineral group. The catalytically active transition metal derivatives include different combinations of incorporated hydroxy-M and oxo-M oligomers and oligomeric cations (where M=molybdenum, chromium, nickel, cobalt, tungsten or other transition metals), and mononuclear and binuclear metal ions such as those of nickel, cobalt, molybdenum, and other transition metals.