The latest moves and appointments in wealth management in the UK, the rest of Europe, the Middle East and other select locations.

Crestbridge
Crestbridge, a global administration, management and corporate governance solutions business, has appointed Paul Phelan as head of Risk and Compliance – Ireland, as the business continues to enhance its platform in Dublin.

In his new role, Phelan will be responsible for Risk and Compliance for Ireland. With over 24 years’ financial services experience specifically related to the administration and management of regulated multi-domiciled investment fund products, Phelan is an approved person under fitness and probity requirements by the Central Bank of Ireland. He is an accomplished professional with a focus on compliance, risk and corporate governance, as well as working with executive leadership.

Phelan was previously at another Irish-regulated funds service provider where he had headed up the compliance function in Ireland since 2012. Prior to that, he held another senior level risk management and compliance position in Ireland for a regulated funds service provider, and before that he worked in a number of roles across the fund servicing space.

Phelan holds a variety of certifications from the Institute of Bankers in Ireland, is a licentiate of Compliance Institute, and holds fellowship status with Accounting Technicians Ireland.

Commenting on Paul’s appointment, Andrea Lennon, country head – Ireland at Crestbridge, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Paul to the team, which is continuing to expand in tandem with Ireland’s growing stature as a domicile for cross border fund management and administration – particularly in the private equity and real assets space ... Paul’s wealth of experience and understanding of financial services in a multi-domiciled context relating to regulated investment fund products will help ensure that we continue to offer the premium service that asset managers need and expect.”

Phelan added: “Ireland continues to evolve as a cross-border investment funds jurisdiction, serving the needs of diverse managers in different geographies in new and emerging areas, and against the backdrop of an increasingly complex regulatory environment. With that comes a greater emphasis on risk and compliance, and Crestbridge has certainly embraced that, recognising that client service goes hand in hand with expertise, experience and high-quality governance. I’m excited to be joining a team that has such a clear vision for the future.”

Vistra Ireland
Vistra Ireland, part of Vistra the global provider of advisory and administrative support to fund, corporate, capital markets, and private wealth clients, has appointed Stephen McCormack as head of securitisation and Brid Gurnett as commercial director.

With more than 20 years of experience in financial services, McCormack (pictured) has worked at Standard Bank and JP Morgan and corporate service providers including Zedra and JTC Group where he advised UHNW families, international corporates, and sovereign wealth funds spanning many jurisdictions including Jersey, GCC, Africa and South Asia. McCormack has considerable experience forming and administering international private and corporate wealth structures.

Gurnett has more than a 30-year career span in the aircraft leasing sector. Previously, she worked at General Electric Capital Aviation Services, where she was responsible for a significant aircraft, engine and customer portfolio. Gurnett brings in-depth regional knowledge and excellent professional connections with key market players.

Cliona O’Faolain, managing director, Vistra Ireland said: “I am delighted to welcome Brid and Stephen to the Capital Markets team. They join us at an exciting time as we continue to build and grow our capital markets presence in Ireland. As senior leaders, Stephen and Brid bring a wealth of expertise and experience to our team and our clients. I am confident they will help strengthen our presence, client offering and service in Ireland and further afield.”

Vistra Ireland delivers professional services to clients in the capital markets (aviation and securitisation) and corporate sectors. It has over 160 industry professionals operating from offices in Dublin and Shannon.