Following merger activity announced last year, the discretionary fund manager has hired a seasoned Channel Islands manager to grow its international business.

Barry Hardisty has been named in a new role as head of international for Aberdeen Standard Capital in Jersey, where he will set direction and oversee managing clients, the group announced yesterday.

Hardisty, who starts this week, will report to director Charles Insley and work alongside the existing international teams based in Jersey and in Aberdeen Standard’s London office.

The 25-year financial services' veteran has worked across Europe and the UK and joins from Enhance Wealth Consultancy, where he ran the portfolio team and managed strategy. Before that, Hardisty worked in senior roles at Canaccord Genuity, Royal Bank of Canada and Matheson Investment.

CEO Richard Charnock said the appointment was part of growth plans and the firm’s decision last year to merge Standard Capital International and Aberdeen Private Wealth Management. “Barry has joined our team to lead the international business and help drive this forward. His extensive experience in providing investment solutions to clients will be invaluable in elevating ASC’s client footprint across the Channel Islands and further afield.”

The group currently manages around £6.6 billion in client assets mainly in trust services for private clients, charities, trust companies and pension schemes. It also has offices in Edinburgh, Birmingham, Bristol, and Leeds.