The latest moves and appointments for wealth management roles in the UK, and other parts of Europe, the Middle East and select international locations.

HSBC Private Bank
HSBC Private Bank has announced changes to its UK senior leadership to strengthen its strategic priorities for high net worth and ultra-high net worth clients.

The bank is bringing its HNW and Special Segments teams under a single leadership structure. Philip Aleppo (pictured) has been appointed to oversee the combined teams in an expanded role. Aleppo, who joined as UK head of Financial Markets in 2023 and subsequently took on the role of head of Special Segments in 2024, helped to build both of those business lines.

In addition, HSBC is strengthening its private banking service for UK international clients living and working in the UAE. Nick Wolf (pictured below), previously HNW head in London and the south, has taken on the newly-created role of head of UK Expat for the UAE to support the UK community in the region. Based in Dubai, he will report to Feras Al Jaramani, head of UAE, HSBC Private Bank. With the growth and increasing importance of the UK-UAE wealth corridor, his appointment will help clients with their wider banking needs.

Nick Wolf

“These changes will help how we support our clients by bringing our specialist capabilities closer together,” Charles Boulton, CEO, Private Bank, HSBC UK Bank, said. “By strengthening our coverage across the UK and key international corridors, we are able to deliver a connected service to clients as they protect, manage and grow their wealth.”

WealthBriefing interviewed Ida Liu, the global head of the private banking arm, in late September.

Gallagher
Gallagher, a global insurance brokerage, risk management and consulting services firm, has appointed Austen Robilliard as director, investment portfolio solutions within its UK Benefits & HR Consulting division.

Robilliard has more than 20 years in wealth and investment management, including 19 years at Titan Wealth Planning. Most recently he was interim chief executive of IWP Investment Management. Throughout his career, he has been responsible for developing and overseeing investment propositions, managing multi-asset portfolios, leading fund selection teams and building centralised investment processes. He has also been involved in developing model portfolio services and investment solutions with an ESG slant.

“He brings a valued combination of investment expertise, fund selection experience and leadership within the wealth sector,” Tara Gillespie, co-head of Investment, UK at Gallagher, said. “Austen’s experience in building investment propositions and delivering high-quality client outcomes will further strengthen the support we provide to our clients. His appointment is another important step in the continued development of our UK Wealth proposition and we’re excited about the contribution he will make as we help clients navigate an evolving industry and investment landscape.” 

St James’s Place
UK wealth manager St James’s Place (SJP), has appointed seven financial services professionals to join the partnership to build their careers in financial advice. They are joining a partnership of nearly 5,000 advisors and approximately 2,700 Partner practices.

Emma Medi Jones, an associate partner at Medi Financial Planning, who is based in South Wales, has a background in independent financial planning and is working towards chartered status.

Michelle Arnold, of Lester Brunt Wealth Management based in Wimborne, Dorset, has 30 years of experience with private clients, families and businesses, most recently in private banking with Union Bancaire Privée and previously Handelsbanken.

Louis Eyles has joined Midland Financial Planning, based in Solihull. He has experience working both offshore and in the UK, with a background in retail financial services and employee benefits.

James Saddler has joined Edinburgh-based professional services company Gilson Gray as a financial advisor. He has seven years’ experience in pensions and retirement planning from his time with Standard Life.

George Everett-Elliott, associate partner with James George Financial Planning, based in Derby, previously worked as an independent financial advisor for six years, following three years as a paraplanner.

Rahul Trivedi, of Grant Charles Financial Planning in Derby, was a mortgage and protection advisor before qualifying as a financial advisor.

Nathan Emslie has joined Brian Emslie Wealth Management in Herne Bay, Kent. He has five years’ experience in financial services, specialising in providing holistic financial advice to individuals, families and business owners.

“We are delighted to welcome Emma, Michelle, Louis, James, George, Rahul and Nathan to the SJP Partnership. They bring a wide range of experience in financial services, business and advice, with the aim of both establishing their progression while delivering excellent client outcomes,” James Rainbow, chief executive of St James’s Place Wealth Management said. “Joining SJP will enable them to build strong relationships with their clients, concentrate on delivering excellent client service and help them to achieve their long-term financial goals, while strengthening what the SJP Partnership offers across the UK.”