CFA Institute names ex-Coutts boss as Asia chief

CFA Institute, the US-based global association of investment professionals, has appointed Nick Pollard as managing director of Asia Pacific, in a planned handover by global president and chief executive Paul Smith.

Pollard previously served as CEO of UK private bank RBS Coutts’ Asia division, and most recently was head of international learning and professional development for Coutts International.

Smith had joined CFA Institute as Asia-Pacific MD in 2012, then in January 2012 was promoted to the global role. He retained the Asia post and told AsianInvestor at the time that hoped to pass it to a successor after a year.

Based in Hong Kong, Pollard will support CFA Institute across the region as it continues its mission to advance the investment profession for the benefit of society. He will seek to achieve further industry growth in the region, especially in the fast-growing China and India markets.

Pollard’s appointment follows the opening of new CFA Institute offices in Beijing and Mumbai in 2015. His career spans 30 years across banking, wealth management and talent development.