Hansard Global plc (HFT), the Isle of Man based financial services group, has appointed Mr Vince Watkins to its board.

Commenting on Mr Watkins’ appointment, Dr Leonard Polonsky, Hansard Group Chairman, said, “I am delighted to welcome Vince to the board of Hansard Financial Trust. His appointment is recognition of the commitment that he has given to the Hansard Group over the last six years in his capacity as Group Financial Controller.”

Mr Watkins was born in the Isle of Man in 1958 and qualified as a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales in 1982. Having completed his articles with Fryers Bell & Co. in Douglas, he moved to South Africa gaining considerable experience in the audit practice of Ernst & Young where he was involved principally with clients in the financial services industry. He returned to the Isle of Man in 1995 to take up his current position.

In addition to this most recent appointment, Mr Watkins also holds directorships of the Group’s regulated life assurance companies, Hansard International in the Isle of Man and Hansard Europe in Dublin.

Dr Polonsky added, “Vince joins the HFT board at an important time in the Group’s development. I have no doubt that his skills and experience will continue to make a significant contribution to the Group’s performance.”

The Hansard Group has been established on the Isle of Man since 1986. The Group is at the leading edge of the international financial services sector. Its use of technology in the development of its business and the servicing of its intermediaries and clients has earned it an enviable reputation amongst peers and intermediaries alike. The Group is currently trialling 3G technology to improve further its servicing capabilities.

For further information please contact David Findlay, Product Support Manager (+44 1624 688227 or david.findlay@hansard.com) or Paul Harwood, Managing Director, Hansard Administration Services Limited (+44 1624 688047 or paul.harwood@hansard.com