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

Moneyfarm
UK-headquartered Moneyfarm, a pan-European digital wealth manager, has appointed Nitesh Palana as chief risk and compliance officer, with immediate effect.

Palana (pictured), who has more than 20 years of experience spanning financial regulation, management consultancy, and fintech, brings a wealth of expertise in risk, compliance, and data protection, the firm said in a statement. In this key leadership role, he will oversee all aspects of risk management and regulatory compliance across Moneyfarm’s operations, supporting the company’s continued growth and commitment to strong governance.

Palana’s career includes senior roles at the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and PwC, where he developed deep regulatory insight and strategic risk capabilities. Most recently, he served as director of risk and compliance and head of government affairs at Thought Machine, a leading core banking technology provider. He was also the data protection officer playing a key role in shaping the company’s global compliance strategy and regulatory engagement.

“We’re honoured to welcome Nitesh to the Moneyfarm leadership team,” Giovanni Daprà, co-founder and CEO of Moneyfarm, said. “His proven track record in risk and compliance working for the FCA, PwC and within the fintech space will be invaluable as we scale our business and continue to deliver secure, innovative investment solutions to our clients. This appointment reflects our ongoing commitment to maintaining the highest standards of regulatory excellence.”

This appointment follows a series of strategic milestones for Moneyfarm, including the recent acquisition of Willis Owen, and underscores its aim of building a world-class leadership team to support its continued growth across Europe.

Ascot Lloyd
UK-based Ascot Lloyd has appointed David Morcher as chief investment officer of Ascot Lloyd Investment Management (Ascot Lloyd IM). He is succeeding Graham Bentley, who will be retiring in September 2025.

Morcher has been at Ascot Lloyd IM since 2023 as head of investment solutions, responsible for research and management of the firm’s MPS and broader fund range. Working closely with Bentley on Ascot Lloyd IM’s investment committee since joining the firm; his appointment as CIO is the result of a thorough succession planning process, the firm said in a statement.

From 1 September, Morcher will take on responsibility for managing and overseeing Ascot Lloyd IM’s investment capabilities. He will be working closely with Paul Nathan, the executive chair of Ascot Lloyd IM, to develop the next stage of the company’s growth strategy.

Morcher, who has more than 18 years of experience in the financial services industry, joined Ascot Lloyd IM from Saunderson House, where he was a senior member of the firm’s investment team. Before that, he spent nearly eight years at Aberdeen, latterly as an investment analyst responsible for fund research across various asset classes.

“The appointment of David Morcher marks the selection of an outstanding chief investment officer, bringing deep expertise and a proven track record,” Nathan said. “This signifies an exciting phase of growth for our business, and I look forward to working closely with David as we continue to build on the strong foundations we have in place.”

Since its inception in 2014, Ascot Lloyd IM has grown to manage over £2.5 billion ($3.32 billion) in assets, collaborating with financial advisors to deliver high-quality, risk-targeted managed investment solutions. Its product range includes multi-asset and multi-manager funds, a model portfolio service, and a private wealth solution for more customised client needs.

Chetwood Bank
UK-based Chetwood Bank, a challenger bank which provides “easy-to-understand savings accounts and mortgages” has appointed Mark Foulsham as a non-executive director on its board.

Foulsham has more than 30 years of experience in information technology, operations and third-party procurement. He originally qualified as a civil engineer and retained a practical, analytical mindset while subsequently progressing into senior executive roles, overseeing digital and capital investment programmes at South East Water, SAUR UK and Macquarie Bank. He has since served as group chief information officer for esure and GoCompare; director of delivery services, chair and advisory board member at CIO Connect; chief digital officer at Scope; and chief operating officer at Kensington Mortgages, accumulating extensive experience as an FCA SMF24 function holder.

As a consultant and advisor, Foulsham has guided organisations in tightly-regulated industries, from financial services firms such as Cashplus (now Zempler Bank), Mansfield Building Society and Prudential, to the property firm REIT SEGRO, the UK Civil Aviation Authority and National Lottery operator, Camelot.

Foulsham has also served in a number of non-executive roles including positions at Cobweb, Leeds Credit Union and Franklin Music, as well as acting as a board advisor at CIONET and partners in change consulting.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Mark to the board as a non-executive director,” Paul Noble, CEO of Chetwood Bank, said. “His experience and strong multi-faceted track record will add real depth to our governance as we enter our next phase of growth."