Steward has nearly 25 years of experience across all asset classes, having held several senior vice president investment management roles in the past, the firm said in a statement.

Prior to joining Santander, Stewart was group chief investment officer and senior vice president at Butterfield Bank for three years.  

Other positions he has held include head of investments at MGM Assurance, CIO at JM Finn & Co, and head of research at Abu Dhabi Investment Authority.

Chief executive, Jeff Scott, said the firm now oversees over £20 billion (about $31.6 billion) in assets and, is currently looking to strengthen its fixed income, equity and research capabilities in the UK.