Williams was previously head of distribution for Africa of The Premier group (Isle of Man), a fund manager and promoter of funds, where he had worked for over 12 years.
His new role took effect from 1 October and he will report to Nigel Watson, Provisca’s sales director.
Watson said: “Richard has over 29 years’ experience within international and UK financial services, predominantly in senior sales roles within banking, offshore life company and fund management organisations.
“Richard’s in-depth experience of working with direct clients, gained initially as a wealth manager and then latterly supporting ifa firms, institutions and family offices, will be an important factor in developing Provisca’s business in the Middle East.”
He added that Provisca forecasting growth across the wider Middle East region across the next few years, particularly for platform business, despite the uncertainties caused by changes being introduced by multiple regulators in individual jurisdictions. “Ultimately, increasing regulation is a positive factor as it should see clients benefit from transparency and better value for money products.”
Williams’ career also included managing distribution for Scottish Provident International in Africa for five years, based in Cape Town, and the Middle East, based in Dubai for three years.
During this period he worked beside Provisca’s founders Watson and Bryan Low, at Scottish Provident International.
Prior to this, he was regional manager and offshore financial planning adviser for Lloyds Bank Expatriate Services based in Dubai and Jersey.
In September, Provisca signed its first partnership agreement, opening up the products of South Africa’s third largest listed insurer to international markets through Guernsey-based Momentum Wealth International Platform, part of MMI Holdings.
