Martin Ratcliffe, formerly the Marlborough Group’s Head of Group Distribution, has almost 20 years’ experience working at a senior level in ACD businesses. He will work alongside longstanding IFS CEO Allan Hamer.

While the pair will share the overall responsibilities of the CEO role, Martin will have a specific focus on growth strategy and supporting existing and new relationships. Allan will concentrate on maintaining high standards of fund governance.

As an independent ACD, IFS safeguards the best interests of investors in funds operated by boutique investment managers¹ and discretionary fund managers². In this role, it has ultimate regulatory responsibility for more than £17.5 billion of assets across funds operated by 20 companies.

Richard Goodall, CEO of the Marlborough Group, said: “Martin’s appointment adds further strength to what’s already an outstanding executive team at IFS. He’s played a key role in the robust growth of the business to date and as Co-CEO he brings outstanding leadership qualities and an unwavering focus on delivering first-class outcomes for both fund sponsors and fund investors.

“We have ambitious plans for growth in the years ahead, and with Martin and Allan combining their considerable talents as Co-CEOs, the future looks bright.”

Martin Ratcliffe said: “This is an exciting time for IFS. More and more firms are recognising the benefits, both for their clients and their business, of ‘unitising’ portfolios into a fund structure.

“We’re strongly positioned to meet this increasing demand. We’ve earned a reputation for the quality of our ACD services – and through initiatives such as our strategic partnership with SS&C Technologies we have the structure and capabilities in place to enable us to maintain strong continuing growth.

“Allan and I have worked together for more than 10 years. We have complementary skills and share a commitment to making a difference through the quality of our service. I’m very much looking forward to working with him and the rest of the team to turn our growth plans into reality.”

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Find out more about Investment Fund Services (IFS)

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¹Boutique investment managers are small, specialized firms that manage money for clients. Unlike large banks or financial institutions, boutiques often focus on a specific investment style, market, or strategy. They typically offer a more personalized service and are known for their expertise in niche areas of investing.

²A discretionary fund manager is a professional who manages investments on behalf of clients, making day-to-day decisions without needing to ask for approval each time. This means they can quickly respond to market changes and aim to grow the client’s money based on an agreed investment strategy.