Paul Bamber joins as a sales manager with a mandate to grow distribution in Hong Kong, China & Japan, which the firm sees as strategic areas for development in its global distribution plans.

He previously held the same role at Scottish Mutual International. He has also held senior posts at Clerical Medical and Old Mutual International.

He will be working alongside Linda McLaren who will continue to be responsible for developing the business in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia – countries where VAM has been experiencing rapid growth through its intermediary relationships, it said in a statement. 

VAM said its fund sales have more than doubled in Asia in the last twelve months. The firm entered the Asian market two years ago, having secured Monetary Authority of Singapore registration. It is expecting to receive Securities and Futures Commission registration in Hong Kong.