We round up the latest job changes in the industry each week.
First Wealth
First Wealth has hired David Aaron as head of compliance to bolster its leadership team as the firm moves into the next phase of its growth.
The firm’s plans also include applying for direct authorisation from the Financial Conduct Authority, which would place regulatory responsibility with First Wealth’s leadership team.
Aaron has previously held senior roles at wealth management and financial planning firms, including St. James’s Place, Smith and Williamson, Brewin Dolphin, Saunderson House, and 7IM.
In his new role, he will focus on progressing the firm’s direct authorisation application and building the compliance infrastructure required for the next phase of its development. He will also work closely with advisers and the leadership team to embed compliance thinking across the business.
Anthony Villis, co-founder and managing director of First Wealth, said: “We are building a business for the long term, which means bringing in the right people as we grow, and David’s appointment is a big part of that.
“Moving to direct authorisation gives us the autonomy to shape our own regulatory approach, and at the moment, the regulator is open to firms thinking differently about how they deliver good outcomes. David has the experience and the entrepreneurial mindset to make the most of that opportunity.”
Aaron added: “First Wealth is at an important stage in its development, and direct authorisation is central to that journey. It allows the firm to build its own compliance framework around what it believes is right for our clients.
“Consumer Duty has increased focus on evidencing good client outcomes, creating space for firms that embed compliance into their operations. First Wealth’s culture and mission make that a strong foundation to build on. The Wealth by Wellbeing philosophy is something I’m extremely passionate about and is a real difference maker in terms of providing great outcomes for our clients.”
Lighthouse Canton
Lighthouse Canton has appointed Abhay Laijawala as CIO for India in recognition of the country being a core growth market for the global investment firm.
Reporting to group CIO, Sunil Garg, Laijawala will lead Lighthouse Canton’s India investment strategy, overseeing asset allocation, and both discretionary and non-discretionary client portfolios, in addition to the development of high-conviction, differentiated investment themes and ideas.
Prior to joining Lighthouse Canton, Laijawala served as head of offshore investments at Canara Robeco Mutual Fund. He previously worked at Avendus, Deutsche Bank, JP Morgan, Citi Bank and HSBC.
Shilpi Chowdhary, group CEO, Lighthouse Canton, said, “India is central to Lighthouse Canton’s next phase of growth, and we are committed to building a leading presence here.
Capital formation is accelerating, investor sophistication is rising, and the regulatory environment continues to mature in ways that reward institutional-grade thinking.
“We are scaling with purpose, and that means investing in leadership that matches our ambition. Abhay brings exactly the depth of experience and conviction this moment calls for, and his appointment reflects how seriously we are investing in India for the long term.”
Laijawala added: “What drew me to Lighthouse Canton is its unique positioning as a genuinely integrated platform across public markets, alternatives, and cross-border capital flows, a combination very few organisations in this space can credibly offer.
“My core focus will be building a differentiated, high-conviction investment process that delivers optimal outcomes across market cycles.”
As part of its India expansion, Lighthouse Canton plans to grow its headcount from 220 to over 400 in the next two years, scale its India wealth and asset management business to $4bn by 2027, and expand from six to 20 cities across the country.
Foster Denovo
Foster Denovo has promoted Chris Thomas to director of investments to lead the firm’s in-house investment proposition.
Thomas, who was previously head of investments, now oversees £2.6bn of assets under management across the firm’s Dynamic Portfolios range and the Sequel funds.
His appointment comes as the UK wealth management and corporate advisory group continues to grow its financial planning capabilities, with total assets under advice across the business last year reaching £3.7bn.
Thomas said: “Our focus has always been on delivering strong, consistent outcomes for clients by combining disciplined investment management with the insight that comes from working closely with advisers.
“It is a privilege to work now as director of investments at Foster Denovo, taking the helm of the in-house investment proposition as we continue to develop it in line with clients’ long-term objectives.”
Foster Denovo Group managing director Helen Lovett added: “Chris’s appointment reflects the ongoing progress of our investment division and the essential role it plays within the wider business.”
“His experience and long-standing relationships mean he is extremely well-placed to lead our in-house solutions in support of both our advisers and their clients.”
Hawksford
Hawksford has made a trio of director-level promotions in its Jersey, Ireland and Singapore offices to bolster its multi-disciplinary teams.
The new directorships include Edward McFadyen within fund services in Jersey, Sally-Ann Tinkler who is now director of accounting and tax in Singapore, and Jenny Monaghan in private client services in Ireland.
Sue McMonagle, group head of people at Hawksford, said: “We remain focused as a business on continuing to grow across our service lines and global network, to support our diverse client base against a backdrop of increasing complexity.
“We recognise that to achieve that, supporting our people, giving them a platform to thrive and rewarding their achievements is absolutely vital. To that end, I’m really pleased that Edward, Sally-Ann and Jenny have been recognised for their ongoing contribution to the business, and I wish them well in their new roles as they take on greater leadership in driving forward our growth plans.”
