Leading business and financial adviser Grant Thornton UK LLP has strengthened its financial services advisory team with the appointment of two new partners, Alex Ellerton and David Morrey.
Ellerton brings over 15 years’ experience providing regulatory advisory services to financial services firms, with a particular focus on the retail market.
He has worked with a broad cross-section of firms to help them meet current and emerging regulatory requirements and has particular expertise in investigation and remediation work.
Ellerton also regularly carries out ‘Skilled Person’ work at the request of the regulator and is particularly interested in the culture agenda of companies.
Commenting on his appointment, Ellerton said "I am excited to be joining Grant Thornton’s growing regulatory practice.
The financial services landscape is ever changing and over the past few years we have seen the increased regulatory pressures facing banks widen in scope to impact the whole breadth of the retail market.
Regulation is crucial in ensuring trust and integrity in our financial markets and will continue to be a main focus for both traditional and challenger brands. I am looking forward to working with Grant Thornton’s growing client base to successfully tackle the practical issues this creates."
Ellerton’s appointment follows an earlier senior appointment by the firm in the financial services regulatory space.
David Morrey is a subject matter expert in a wide range of conduct matters, both wholesale market issues within the securities and investment management sectors, and retail issues within the wealth management, advisory and lending sectors.
He has experience helping clients deal with the complexities of current market regulation and also regularly undertakes ‘Skilled Person’ work instigated by the regulator and advises firms on how to respond to a regulatory investigation.
Morrey added "The conduct and culture practices within financial services has never been under more scrutiny, despite recent misperceptions that it could be falling off the regulatory agenda. Setting the right tone within organisations – both from a cultural and compliance perspective – is essential to the sustainable growth of companies and needs to remain a key focus for the sector."
Jon Sperrin, Head of FS Regulatory at Grant Thornton UK LLP said "I am delighted to have both Alex and David join our team. Their combined experience strengthens our existing team and ensures we are continuing to deliver excellent services to our financial services sector clients."
