Guernsey's trust and wealth management expertise will be promoted internationally following a senior appointment at ZEDRA.
John Hunter has joined ZEDRA as director for business development and brings with him 30 years’ experience in the finance industry working with high net worth individuals, their families and their advisors concerning their extensive international interests.
Mr Hunter’s appointment follows significant investment by ZEDRA to grow its business, opening several new offices, introducing new products and services, strengthening existing operations and expanding core business opportunities. In his new role, Mr Hunter will be travelling to London, the Americas and Eastern Europe and has already made one trip to Turkey.
‘In my experience, Guernsey has a very good reputation globally, built upon world-class expertise in the financial services industry coupled with excellent support services that can be readily called upon, such as legal, accounting, IT and communications.
‘Having worked for a number of large banking institutions, it is refreshing to work for ZEDRA as it is truly independent allowing decisions to be made quickly at a local level without any unnecessary bureaucracy and red tape.’
‘ZEDRA is big enough to cope with any client situation that may arise, yet remains small enough to care. I am confident that this will appeal to existing and prospective clients alike and that we can provide the right bespoke solutions to international families.’
Mr Hunter joins ZEDRA having previously worked for Coutts & Co and Bank of Bermuda where he was European head of business development and executive director. Most recently, he was a private client director at the Royal Bank of Canada in their Guernsey office for 13 years.
Mr Hunter’s experience and expertise has been recognised by the finance industry, having been named in Citywealth’s Honours List in 2015 as well as appearing on Citywealth’s Leaders List of Prominent Trustees for several years. He is also a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners, the Institute of Directors and the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment and holds the Securities Institute Advice Certificate.
‘John brings a wealth of experience with him and his deep international experience and knowledge will help promote Guernsey’s expertise across the globe and help ZEDRA expand its business,’ said Julien Sharpe, managing director of ZEDRA Trust (Guernsey).
‘Appointing a director responsible for business development demonstrates ZEDRA’s commitment to growth and our investment in Guernsey as we proactively move to attract new clients to the island based on the expertise that can be found here. We are also making a number of senior appointments over the coming months which is a key part of the company’s ambitious plans to double the size of the Guernsey business within the next five years.’
ZEDRA operates in 10 international locations, including Guernsey where it currently employs around 50 people. The ZEDRA name launched in Guernsey earlier this year after family-owned ZEDRA bought Barclay’s trust and fiduciary business.