With more than 19 years of international experience in capital markets, investments and private banking, Hamza brings a track record in advising NRI, Gulf and expatriate high net worth/UHNW clients across asset classes and growing sizeable portfolios for leading global institutions. Previously, he was at Nomura International Wealth Management in Dubai, where he had served as investment advisor, executive director, since 2023. Before that, he held senior investment advisory positions at Deutsche Bank Wealth Management, Standard Chartered Private Bank and Coutts in Dubai and London. Hamza is an expert in traditional and alternative investments and has been a leader in asset allocation, structured solutions and business development across the Middle East and broader international markets. Hamza holds a BA in French with Business Management from Queen Mary University of London, a Diploma in Technical Analysis (MSTA), and has completed several professional certifications in financial regulation, derivatives and investment management.

“With nearly two decades of experience in capital markets and wealth management in the Gulf region, he , an “evidence-based investing pioneer,” has hired Steven Cohen as a senior investment analyst. He will work alongside Sparrows’ CIO, Raymond Backreedy.

Cohen brings over 10 years’ experience in investment management and financial planning. Previously, he led the development and implementation of in-house investment strategies at Lumin Wealth as an investment manager, overseeing portfolios in excess of £1 billion ($1.37 billion). Prior to this, Cohen was a paraplanner at Lubbock Fine Wealth Management.

Cohen combines technical research with practical expertise in fund selection, trade execution, financial planning and navigating advice platforms, the firm said in a statement. He also holds the Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning (DipPFS) and the Investment Management Certificate (IMC).

“His extensive platform background and paraplanning experience further strengthen our capabilities around the Sparrows SCore MPS offering and investment operations,” Raymond Backreedy, CIO said.

His appointment follows hires for Sparrows Capital over the last 12 months, most recently the recruitment of Gareth Perry in its business development team in December 2025. It also hired James Denton as business development manager last May and other personnel in 2025.

Fidelity International
, a global asset manager and retirement savings business, has appointed Elly Irving as director of stewardship, based in London.

She will be responsible for supporting Fidelity’s corporate engagement activity across EMEA and the Americas, ensuring the firm drives meaningful progress on the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues, the firm said in a statement. Irving, who will report to Flora Wang, head of stewardship, will play a "key role" in strengthening Fidelity’s stewardship and ESG capabilities globally, reinforcing the firm’s commitment to transparency, accountability and responsible investment.

Elly has nearly 20 years of experience across asset management, sustainability, and stewardship. Prior to Fidelity, she was director of stewardship at Lazard Asset Management and previously head of engagement at Schroders.

In introducing Irving, Jenn-Hui Tan, chief sustainability officer, Fidelity International, said: “Her extensive experience and leadership in stewardship and investment-focused ESG integration will enable us to continue developing our global stewardship approach to meet evolving client needs.”

Smart Wealth Asset Management
, a Swiss asset manager specialising in AI-driven investment funds, has appointed Roger Bootz (pictured below) as head of sales.

Roger Bootz

Bootz, who brings 25 years of experience across banking and asset management, will lead Smart Wealth’s sales strategy, primarily in Switzerland and Germany, supporting the firm’s continued expansion among institutional and professional investors. His appointment reflects growing demand for Smart Wealth’s AI-driven investment approach, particularly from family offices, independent asset and wealth managers, pension funds and asset allocators seeking stronger risk-adjusted returns within clearly defined regulatory and fiduciary frameworks, the firm said in a statement.

“Roger’s depth of experience, credibility, and long-standing relationships in fund and asset management make him the ideal leader to drive our sales expansion as we accelerate our global scaling strategy,” Dr Miró Mitev, founder and CEO of Smart Wealth Asset Management AG, said.

Manuel Ebner, chairman, added: “Roger is a highly respected figure in the DACH investment community. His experience at global institutions such as Vanguard, Deutsche Bank, Lyxor and UBS combined with his understanding of institutional investor needs, will be instrumental as Smart Wealth continues to execute its expansion strategy. We are delighted to welcome him to the team.”