The Isle of Man Fund Management Association (FMA) has appointed Ian Morley as the Isle of Man’s London representative for funds in a bid to further strengthen its commitment to attracting new UK and international business towards the Island.
Morley will work with the Isle of Man Department of Economic Development to create the new strategic business plan for the Isle of Man Funds Industry, focusing primarily on further developing links and opportunities with the City of London, a prime source of business for the Isle of Man’s funds sector.
As a leading figure and pioneer in the hedge funds industry, Morley has served on a number of Boards and International Committees. In 1990, Ian was elected as the founder Chairman of what today has become the Alternative Investment Management Association (AIMA), the global trade association for the hedge funds industry. He has also held positions on the boards of the International Committee of the Managed Funds Association, the LME Index Committee and the Council of AIMA. Ian has advised central banks, international regulators and the OECD on economics, markets and regulation.
Morley has spent 37 years working in finance and the funds industry and ran one of Europe’s first and oldest fund of funds, going on to help build one of Europe’s largest privately owned fund of funds. Whilst working at London Phibro, Morley was part of the first team to make a market in gold and other precious metals outside of the London Gold Market and wrote some of the first gold options ever traded.
Morley currently holds roles as a Senior Consultant at Allenbridge Epic, an award winning Pensions Consultancy firm, Director of Condor Trade, a specialist Islamic facilitating firm, a Non-Executive Director with Infonic, a leading financial software company, global economic adviser to CSWM and Chairman of Wentworth Hall, a venture start up investment company.
Having trained as an economist at the London School of Economics, Ian is also the author of Morley’s Law on Business and Fund Management. He has taught at Kingston Business School where he is an Industrial Fellow and lectures for Fintuition on understanding hedge funds.
Isle of Man Fund Management Association Marketing Chairman David McGarry, says: ‘This is a key appointment, not only for the Department of Economic Development and the Fund Management Association, but also for the Island as a whole. Increasingly, the Island’s future prosperity depends on attracting more new business, especially from key markets such as the City of London. Ian is someone with the reputation, profile and proven track record to help us drive forward our funds industry. We are delighted to be working with him and feel sure he will prove to be a great asset for the FMA, the Isle of Man and our business community.’
Department of Economic Development Minister John Shimmin MHK said: ‘There is no doubt that in the FMA appointing Ian Morley we will be gaining someone with a world class reputation and profile across the funds industry. Ian brings vast experience, together with a wealth of knowledge and we look forward to working with him and the FMA to help drive forward the Island’s funds industry within key markets.’
