Sophia Nazer joins Stanley Gibbons (Asia) as investment portfolio manager working from the company's newest office in Hong Kong's Central district. She reports to Keith Heddle, global investment director. The firm will also have an administrator in place and one of its portfolio managers from the London office is on site until July.

Originally from the UK, Nazer has lived and worked in various parts of Asia for several years before joining Stanley Gibbons. “Sophia will be instrumental in establishing the brand in Hong Kong,” said the firm in a statement.

UK-based Stanley Gibbons saw sales soar 35 per cent to £35.7 million ($56.5 million) last year, while pre-tax profits rose 17 per cent to £5.2 million. Sales were buoyed as investors turned to tangible assets in the face of increasing turbulence in the stock markets. Demand for Royal wedding memorabilia, internet sales and Chinese interest were also key in rising sales. 

The Hong Kong office, launched in September, contributed £1 billion of sales to Hong Kong residents and Chinese individuals and generated a profit in its first quarter of trading, said the firm in a statement.

Stanley Gibbons, launched in 1856, said its main objective for this year will be international expansion in Asia and the US. 

The firm is also exploring new offices in Switzerland, Singapore, Monaco, Gibraltar and Brazil through franchises this year, it said.