The UK-based wealth management firm said it has “invested intensively within this region to deepen coverage and client service”, a sign of how Africa – dubbed by economists as a “frontier” market – is increasingly gaining attention from wealth managers looking for new, long-term sources of business.

Hocking, who was recently appointed as head of Africa team within the International Private Bank, has taken on responsibility for coordinating the strategic growth of the business across the market.

Prior to this role, Hocking spent two years on secondment with Absa where, as chief executive of Absa Wealth, he drove its wealth proposition across South Africa.

Further appointments include Nimi Akinkugbe, who joins as a director, covering Nigeria and West Africa. She has worked within wealth management for 20 years and joins from Stanbic IBTC Bank, where she was general manager and head of private client services. Akinkugbe reports to Hocking.

Banou Malonga joins as director and will also report to Hocking.  Malonga, based in Geneva, joins from Credit Suisse where he was a key member of the ultra high net worth team.  Prior to this, he was a private banker with Goldman Sachs, covering the African market.

Linda Asafo-Agyei, Diaraye Diallo and Segun Okubanjo have also all joined the Africa team based in London. All join as vice-presidents.

“The new additions to the team have valuable insight into the opportunities available in existing and new markets within West Africa.  The Barclays Africa business has onshore representation in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ghana and within South Africa through Absa Wealth,” Hocking said.