Specialist fund services firm, Ipes, has appointed Sharon Alvarez (pictured) as head of risk and compliance for the group.
This newly-created role forms the centrepiece of the firm’s investment in both assisting clients to prepare, and preparing internally, for the challenges associated with increased regulation.
Kevin Brennan, Chief Executive for Ipes, says: “The funds industry has been hit with a barrage of new regulations. This poses a governance challenge and we have a responsibility to our clients to be thorough and proactive in our response.
“A real focus is required to ensure that we remain ahead of the changing rules and standards. As a specialist we have been able to adapt quickly to achieve this, one element of which is creation of this important new role”.
Alvarez, who is a Director of the business in Guernsey where she is responsible for technical and corporate governance matters, will take a seat on the boards of Ipes’ other jurisdictions and will report directly to Brennan.
“Regulatory compliance is a key challenge for the private equity industry today and I am looking forward to working with all our business units to drive a consistent approach to meeting the requirements of existing and incoming legislation” says Alvarez.
A qualified Accountant and Company Secretary, Alvarez joined Ipes in 2005 and has over 25 years experience working in the finance industry.
“The Head of Risk and Compliance role requires an in-depth understanding of our business and that of our clients and Sharon has absolutely the right background and expertise to take it on,” says Brennan.
The firm has also recently appointed an internal auditor on a permanent basis and has in place a dedicated training officer to ensure all its people receive the necessary training to equip them for the changes ahead.
