Falcon Private Wealth, the London-based wealth management arm of Switzerland’s Falcon Private Bank, has appointed Francis Esem Wood as senior advisor for West Africa as part of its expansion plans in emerging markets.

Falcon Private Wealth, the London-based wealth management arm of Switzerland’s Falcon Private Bank, has appointed Francis Esem Wood as senior advisor for West Africa as part of its expansion plans in emerging markets.

Falcon said in a statement that as part of his role he will help to further develop its Africa franchise with particular emphasis on West Africa.

Wood was most recently managing director and West Africa regional team leader at Barclays in London. Prior to Barclays, he led the investment banking group at Nigerian bank FCMB. He has palso worked at Merrill Lynch, Lehman Brothers and Credit Suisse.

"The appointment of Francis Esem Wood reflects our strong commitment to the West African region and we are delighted to further strengthen our emerging markets expertise,” said Nick McCall, chief executive officer of Falcon Private Wealth.

Falcon Private Wealth used to be Clariden Leu (Europe), until it was sold by Credit Suisse to Falcon Private Bank in October 2012.

Falcon Private Bank is based in Zurich, with branches and representative offices in Geneva, London, Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Singapore.