James Smart
James joined Baring Asset Management as a Trainee Accountant in 1990, becoming Group Financial Controller in 1996 with responsibility for the reporting from the Global offices of the Group. In 2002 he joined New Star Asset Management as Group Accountant, before moving to Pershing (a subsidiary of Bank of New York Mellon (BNY M)) in 2005 as UK Controller. Following an internal re-organisation in 2006, James was promoted to European Chief Financial Officer and a member of the Board and Executive Committee of the UK and Irish entities with responsibility for all financial, treasury, and regulatory reporting of the Pershing European Group. The Credit crisis of 2008/09 provided significant interaction and exposure with the rest of the BNY M Group and the Regulators (FCA, SEC, Central Bank of Ireland, and the US Federal Reserve). In 2011 he was approached to join London & Capital as Chief Financial Officer to assist with the restructuring and re-organisation of the Business in preparation for the future growth of the Wealth Management business. James left London & Capital in 2018 and then joined Sandaire, a Multi-Family Office, as Chief Financial Officer in January 2020, as part of their Management team restructuring. Following the sale of Sandaire to Schroders in December 2020, he joined MASECO Private Wealth in 2021 as Head of Finance and a member of the Management Committee, which has responsibility for the strategic direction of the firm.
In his spare time…
James loves spending time with his family and two dogs and enjoys outdoor activities, particularly golf, cricket, skiing, and running, completing several marathons. He enjoys travel and is a keen rugby supporter, which led him to travel to South Africa, Australia & New Zealand to follow the British and Irish Lions in 2009, 2013 & 2017.
Education and credentials:
- Member of Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (MCSI)
- Fellow of Chartered Association of Certified Accountants (FCCA)
- Previously held regulatory responsibility for entities based in UK & Ireland.
