Crossbridge Capital, the UK-based investment advisor which counts wealth management among its services, has appointed Innokenty Alekseev as director of the firm’s team for Russia and the CIS countries.

In his new London-based role, Alekseev will develop Crossbridge’s strategy in Russia and the CIS countries as well as focus on building and managing client relationships for this market, the firm said in a statement. Alekseev will also create and deliver a family office service for Crossbridge’s clients and will be working alongside Tarek Khlat, the firm’s chief executive.

Alekseev joins from Bougart Alliance, a London-based multi-family office, where he had been director, head of advisory and client relations. Prior to that, he was managing the Russia and CIS trust & fiduciary desk at Standard Bank in London.

He also served as deputy general counsel with Moscow-based MDM Bank focusing on investment banking transactions and working with the bank’s private banking team.

“Innokenty’s appointment brings two-fold benefits to Crossbridge Capital. Firstly, it signals our expansion into new emerging markets which we believe will be receptive to our integrated platform offering of wealth management, merchant banking and principal investment services. Secondly, Innokenty’s experience and legal background will enable us to establish Crossbridge Capital as a wealth advisory firm that can operate as a multi-family office for all clients, regardless of the geography of their assets and their own domicile,” said Tarek Khlat.

Launched in 2008, Crossbridge Capital employs over 25 members of staff.