Close Brothers Makes Announce New Appointment In Its Pension Division

Mike Lightfoot has been appointed as pensions director as part of the group's strategic plans to continue to enhance its profile in the QROPS and international retirement planning space. Mike joins Close from IOMA Horizons Limited where he was the

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Mike Lightfoot has been appointed as pensions director as part of the group’s strategic plans to continue to enhance its profile in the QROPS and international retirement planning space.

Mike joins Close from IOMA Horizons Limited where he was the managing director responsible for developing its Isle of Man QROPS offering. Prior to that, Mike played a key role in international pensions as pensions project executive with the Insurance and Pensions Authority (IPA) – the Isle of Man’s pension regulator. During his seven years with IPA he was tasked with developing the Isle of Man’s international pensions sector.

“We are delighted with Mike’s appointment which evidences our commitment to international pension administration, says Andrew Henton, head of offshore businesses for Close Brothers. Mike will be taking on responsibility for the operational side of both our approved and unapproved pension schemes, managing the teams in our Guernsey and Cape Town offices. His experience complements our existing technical capability and he will undoubtedly enhance our proposition development programme.”

Mike joins at a time of considerable growth in the QROPS market and he brings with him a wealth of expertise gained across various jurisdictions. He has been active in the QROPS market since his time with the Isle of Man Regulator where he oversaw the establishment of several early QROPS providers in that jurisdiction.

My move to Guernsey underlines my belief that the QROPS market is maturing at a pace and that Guernsey currently provides the best mix of infrastructure and skills to support International pension plans, generally, says Mike Lightfoot. Close Brothers is a natural fit for me given that they are one of the most recognisable brands actively involved in this area. Closes strategic priorities and commitment to QROPS specifically are very exciting.”

Close provides both approved and unapproved retirement and pension plans from its Guernsey Trust business.

D.C.

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