Investment platform Halo Invest has said that it is a step closer to launching its adviser platform having completed its senior team with several appointments.

Lex Webster is the latest to join the business as a non-executive director (NED). He has more than 30 years of experience within financial services most recently as CEO of Exinity, a CFD and FX broker.

Webster took up the role at the start of May. He will work as a NED along with Tatton's former chief operating officer (COO) Helen O'Neill, who joined in March last year to help develop the Halo proposition.

Webster said: “The wealth management space is crying out for a disruptor to challenge the legacy platforms and Halo Invest represents exactly what the industry needs.”

The platform is led by Halo Invest CEO Douglas Boyce, the former managing director of SS&C Hubwise, who has brought in several individuals to support him to deliver the firm's ambition.

Boyce oversaw the expansion of Hubwise and its subsequent sale to SS&C. Before that, he was the European COO of FNZ, where he had responsibility for the asset servicing division with more than £220bn in assets under administration for financial institutions including Standard Life, Vanguard, Barclays and Aviva.

Meanwhile, Wendy Crawford was recently appointed as head of risk and compliance. Prior to joining Halo Invest, she was at Embark Group as director of compliance and data protection officer. Before that, she held a number of senior compliance roles within Royal London.

Also with a strong background in compliance is Halo COO Brian Gray. He began his career in operations at Murray Johnstone before moving into roles at Barclays Stockbrokers, Interactive Investor and Speirs & Jeffrey (now part of Rathbones). Gray also spent three years as an Ombudsman at the Financial Ombudsman Service.

As COO, Halo said that Gray will lead the firm’s operational strategy, oversee day-to-day platform delivery and manage third-party relationships.

In addition, to help oversee Halo Invest’s platform launch in the UK, David Anderson has been appointed as programme delivery director. He has previously worked at firms including Standard Life, FNZ, Bravura, Alpha FMC, James Hay and Genpact.

Lynn Johnston has also joined as head of customer. She began her career at HSBC before joining Interactive Investor (II), where she progressed through customer support and operations.

Lynn later joined FNZ as a service delivery manager, supporting clients including Barclays Stockbrokers, Close Brothers, and Quilter, and played a role in the migration of £60bn in assets. She then moved to Hubwise, where she oversaw all client relationships and implemented a formal service delivery and governance model.

Completing the senior team line-up is head of finance operations Graeme Cunningham, a fully qualified Chartered accountant. He is responsible for all aspects of day-to-day operations.

Prior to Hao, Graeme was head of financial control, at Primary Bid a retail investment platform specialising in IPOs. There he was responsible for all operational control of transaction trading activity.

He was also lead financial consultant with Lloyds TSB, involved in a project to migrate a mortgage book across software providers. Graeme held a similar role at Barclays Stockbrokers to support the migration of its entire back-office provision to FNZ, at which point he moved to FNZ as head of reconciliations.

Mirabaud & Cie (Europe) has appointed David Smith as director, relationship manager, as the firm aims to grow its presence in the UK wealth management market.

Based in London and reporting to UK market head Stuart Bates, Smith will be responsible for delivering wealth management services to high-net-worth (HNW) corporate executives and family business owners, resident in the UK.

He brings more than 22 years of experience advising private clients on wealth and has joined Mirabaud from RBC Wealth Management, where he served as a relationship manager providing bespoke wealth solutions to high-net worth (HNW) and ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) individuals.

Smith’s experience has included providing investment management, lending, financial advice, and trust services.

Prior to RBC, he worked at British private bank Arbuthnot Latham & Co. where he focused on HNW and ultra-HNW clients, with a particular emphasis on the Middle East. Smith began his career at Coutts in 2002.

Bates said: “David brings extensive wealth management expertise, a strong international network, and a proven track record of building assets and earning client trust.

“His career achievements to date reflect the entrepreneurial spirit that has defined Mirabaud for over two centuries, and I am confident his deep understanding of the bespoke needs of HNW individuals will be invaluable as we continue to expand our UK footprint.”

Smith added: “Joining Mirabaud represents a meaningful step forward in my career. The firm’s heritage, focus on earning client trust, and commitment to innovation all resonate strongly with me.

“I look forward to working with the outstanding UK team to provide enduring solutions to manage and preserve family wealth across generations.”

Schroders has appointed Jamie Fowler as the firm’s head of UK wealth within its asset management division.

Fowler will report to Schroders head of UK Phil Middleton, and continues his more than two-decade long tenure at the UK asset management giant, having joined in 2002. 

As part of the new role, he will be in charge of serving intermediary investors across UK wealth management, ranging from wealth managers to family offices and discretionary investors, who invest in a raft of asset classes including unit trusts, OEICS, investment trusts, model portfolios and sub-advised mandates.

Fowler, who most recently worked as Schroders' head of regional and advisory sales, said: "I am excited to take on this new role. During my 20 years at Schroders, I have been privileged to be part of the evolution and growth of the business, including the launch of Schroders Investment Solutions and, more recently, the launch of the UK's first wealth-focused LTAF."

Middleton added: "Fowler brings significant knowledge and experience alongside a proven track-record of delivering the best outcomes for a diverse range of clients. His industry expertise and in-depth understanding of Schroders makes him well-placed to lead our UK wealth business.

"Fowler's appointment is a great example of our ability to nurture and grow our existing talent – something that we pride ourselves on."

This article was originally written by Professional Adviser's sister publication Investment Week.

7IM has made two senior internal appointments to further “build momentum behind its ambitious growth strategy”.

Harriet Massie has been promoted to chief transformation officer, while Chris Phillips, previously chief transformation officer, moves into the newly created role of chief value officer.

Both roles take effect from 1 June and report directly to 7IM CEO Dean Proctor.

Massie has been with 7IM since 2017 and most recently served as transformation director. 7IM said she steps into her new role at a “critical time” for the business.

She will lead 7IM’s transformation team, overseeing the delivery of its platform investment programme. Working closely with colleagues across the business, she will also aim to drive execution of 7IM’s broader “transformation roadmap”.

Meanwhile, in the newly created role of chief value officer, Phillips will lead 7IM’s product & marketing function, with oversight across proposition, product design and development, product governance, and brand and marketing. 7IM said he will also play a key role in shaping its long-term strategy, with a “clear focus” on creating long-term value for advisers and their clients.

Phillips joined 7IM in 2019 and brings experience in product, marketing, customer experience and transformation, having previously held senior roles at Barclays and Lloyds Banking Group.

These latest appointments follow that of Nick Allen as chief integration officer this month to drive onboarding and harmonisation of recent and future acquisitions across 7IM.

Proctor said: “Both Harriet and Chris are proven leaders with a clear understanding of our business and the needs of advisers. Harriet has been a driving force behind our transformation programme - her focus and rigour will be key as we deliver on our platform investment programme and wider transformation plans.

“Chris brings real strategic firepower and experience as we continue to evolve our proposition and deliver value where it matters most.”

Massie added: “I look forward to leading the delivery of our transformation roadmap and working closely with teams across the business to implement the changes that will make the biggest difference to our clients, advisers and colleagues.”

Phillips added: “It’s a real privilege to take on this new role - one focused on creating more connected and consistent value for advisers, their clients, and the business. We’ve made strong progress, but we’re not standing still - there’s more to do, and I’m excited to help lead the next phase of our journey.”

AdviserSoftware has made two team developments which it said reflects the company’s “continued growth and commitment to enhancing its digital and data capabilities”.

With immediate effect, Darren Madden has been promoted to advice-tech solutions manager.  Madden joined AdviserSoftware in 2023 as a research consultant. 

Madden brings nearly two decades of experience in the financial services sector and AdviserSoftware said his promotion is another example of AdviserSoftware’s “focus on nurturing talent from within and creating clear pathways for progression”.

In addition to Madden’s promotion, Adam Wilson has joined AdviserSoftware as advice-tech analyst, bringing experience in data and process analysis to the business.

Based in Lancashire, Wilson was previously a senior data and process analyst at Amber River True Bearing. In his new role, he will be responsible for supporting the development of AdviserSoftware’s data strategy.

AdviserSoftware.com founder Ian McKenna said: “In just over two years, Darren has gone from strength to strength. His work restructuring our AdviserSoftware Insight report, the ultimate guide to adviser technology and our AdviserSoftware.com site has helped make this the ultimate destination for advisers looking to find the right tech for their businesses.

“Our strategy of employing people with first-hand experience working in advice firms means we have a team who really understand the pressures on advisers. I’m delighted that Adam is our latest recruit following on that tradition. When using AdviserSoftware.com to inform their buying decisions they can do so safe in the knowledge that these systems have be scrutinised by our team applying their extensive experience in advice firms.”

Madden said: “I have always had a passion for technology and believed in its huge potential to transform the way adviser firms operate. It is great to be in a role that enables me to dedicate so much time to getting into the detail of the different systems.”

Wilson added: “I am delighted to be joining a firm with such an outstanding reputation for understanding what advisers need from technology and helping them understand the best people to supply the right solutions. The new services I will be working on will make it easy for advisers to access detailed analysis of different systems to help inform their buying decisions.”

Nucleus Financial Platforms has appointed Louis Petherick as chief risk officer (CRO). 

He will join Nucleus at the start of August and his appointment is subject to regulatory approval.

Petherick has joined Nucleus from Brooks McDonald where he was group CRO for two years. 

Prior to this, he was CRO at FNZ UK and spent five years at AJ Bell where he was CRO and executive board member.  His career also includes senior risk roles at M&S Bank, The Co-operative Bank, Lloyds Banking Group, ING Direct and St James’ Place. 

Petherick replaces current interim CRO, Richard Collins, who joined Nucleus last November in an interim capacity to replace Pete Docherty, who took up the role of chief transformation officer within the group.

Nucleus CEO Richard Rowney said: “I’m delighted that we’ve been able to attract someone of Louis’s calibre at this pivotal time in our growth. He brings significant experience and expertise in risk leadership, having spent over two decades in major businesses across the sector.”

Petherick added: “I’ve been really impressed by the strategy the management team has put in place, executing it through growth and building a market-leading retirement focused platform group.”

Former 7IM Private Client senior financial planning director David Little has joined Evelyn Partners as a financial planning partner, based in Glasgow.

Little is a Chartered financial planner and a fellow of the Personal Finance Society.

Evelyn Partners managing partner Stephen Parker said: “David brings a wealth of experience built over 25 years in the sector and shares our commitment to deliver high quality financial planning services to our clients.

“His strategic thinking will be invaluable as we continue with our ambitious plans to further grow our Scottish business.” 

Little added: “It’s an exciting time to come on board, as the firm refocuses solely on wealth management, and I’m looking forward to contributing to the continued growth and success of the business. 

“I take pride and satisfaction in turning clients’ often complex financial arrangements and objectives into efficient and effective plans. I also look forward to working closely with investment managers where that benefits the client, as this is a particular strength of Evelyn Partners, where full-time practitioners in both investment management and financial planning sit side-by-side.”

Clifton Asset Management (Clifton AM) has appointed Jo Swain as chief risk officer (CRO).

Swain has joined from Succession Wealth and has more than three decades of experience in financial services, Clifton AM set out in a press release today (6 May).

She will start her new role on the main board for the Clifton Group in early May 2025.

A qualified financial adviser, Swain was previously compliance director at Succession Wealth, as well as a board director for the group’s investment management firm.

Clifton AM noted that throughout her career, she has also developed “extensive experience” of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and has held several senior roles in the pensions and wealth management industries with Barclaycard, Aviva Life Insurance and Phoenix Group.

Clifton AM CEO Neil Greenaway said: “We are looking forward to welcoming Jo into the Clifton family during what is a really exciting time for the company.

“At Clifton, our regulatory duties have always been a top priority, reflecting our commitment to putting our customers first at all times. Jo’s appointment is the next natural step to ensure Clifton is well positioned to keep pace with regulation both now and in the future.

“Her experience in this area speaks for itself and her contributions and guidance will be invaluable to our business going forward.”

Swain added: “Clifton is a dynamic, customer-focused, business and I’m looking forward to joining the team at this point in the firm’s growth journey.

“As CRO, my role on the board will be to help inform business strategy and ensuring this continues to deliver great client outcomes, with a strong mind towards compliance and risk.”

7IM has appointed Nick Allen as its chief integration officer.

Allen, who joins from Schroders Personal Wealth where he served as chief operating officer (COO), brings over 30 years of financial services experience to the newly created role.

Reporting directly to 7IM CEO Dean Proctor, Allen will be responsible for the onboarding and harmonisation of recent and future acquisitions. His remit includes aligning propositions, capabilities, and processes across acquired firms.

Before Schroders Personal Wealth, he held senior leadership roles including COO, group transformation at Lloyds Banking Group, where he led large-scale business change initiatives.

7IM CEO Dean Proctor said: “I’m delighted to have someone of Nick’s experience and capabilities join 7IM and the executive team as we enter the next phase of our strategic growth plans.

“Nick has a proven track record in leading large business transformations in his roles at Schroders Personal Wealth and within the Lloyds Banking Group. 

“His deep expertise will help us unlock synergies and greater scale, which will be critical as we continue on our growth journey and enhance the experience we deliver for our clients.”

Allen added: “Having led a number of complex transformation and integration programmes over the years, I understand how powerful it can be when people, systems, and processes all come together.”

Aberdeen head of savings policy Alastair Black is set to retire from financial services after more than 35 years.

Black said he would now put his expertise in retirement planning into practice for himself.

Black has spent the last 22 years with Standard Life/Aberdeen and amassed more than 35 years in financial services.

In a LinkedIn post, Black said had been on an incredible journey: “I am grateful for the opportunities, experiences, and connections I have made along the way.

“I’ve been lucky to work with some amazing colleagues, mentors, and friends throughout my career. I have seen financial services develop over the decades and feel proud to have worked with many of you on some of the biggest changes, from auto-enrolment to the Retail Distribution Review and pensions freedoms to Consumer Duty.”

Black added: “As I embark on this new chapter, I’m looking forward to spending more time with my family, pursuing personal interests, and exploring the world. The market looks ready to go through further big changes and I will watch with interest as these evolve too. Thank you all for being a part of my professional journey.”

Black was a regular columnist for Professional Adviser, covering topics such as tax planning, policy changes announced during several Budgets and other regulatory issues.