Banque Syz & Co, the Swiss private bank, has appointed Michael Clements as head of European equities and Claire Manson, who will manage the OYSTER European Mid & Small Cap fund.

SYZ Asset Management, the institutional arm of Swiss banking group SYZ & Co, has appointed Michael Clements as head of European equities and Claire Manson, who will manage the Oyster European Mid & Small Cap fund.

Both were previously at Franklin Templeton and will be based in London.

Clements will manage the Oyster European Opportunities, Oyster European Selection and Oyster Continental European Selection funds. He replaces Eric Bendahan, who has left after nine years with the firm to launch his own fund firm, SYZ said in a statement.

“After nine years with Syz, Eric Bendahan's departure is normal and SYZ understands his desire to set up his own structure as an entrepreneur and is deeply thankful for his collaboration with the firm,” the firm said.

The firm said that it expected a smooth transition due to Clements' and Manson’s similar investment style.

“Michael Clements' investment style is in line with that of the previous manager. His strategy is characterised by an active management style, with a focus on strong alpha generation based on a bottom-up approach, an absence of style or cap bias and strong convictions,” the firm said.

WealthBriefing recently interviewed Banque SYZ & Co at its offices in Rue de Rhône, Geneva. For more on this story, click here.