Pension specialist and SIPP provider Momentum Pensions has appointed Heather Smyth to the new role of group legal counsel.
 
The firm said the appointment follows a programme of investment in technology and the recruitment of administration staff after growth of 35% in UK SIPP accounts over the past 12 months and the expansion of group assets under administration to more than £1.25 billion.

Ms Smyth said: “The pension market is changing rapidly underlining the need for in-house expertise which makes the opportunity to join Momentum Pensions so exciting.”

Ms Smyth’s previous roles include head of legal at plant hire group Hewden Stuart, where she led an in-house law and insurance team, and manager and head of legal at Peel Airports Group and Vantage Airports UK Limited.

Stewart Davies, chief executive officer at Momentum Pensions, said: “We have significant plans for 2018 and need the right people in place to ensure that we deliver for both our clients and advisers and remain very nimble in a competitive market.

He added: “The appointment of a Group Legal Counsel brings more expertise to our senior management team as we work to take the company to the next level.”
 
Momentum said taking on Ms Smyth is part of its commitment to expansion and enables the group to further enhance services for clients and advisers.

The firm added that it is a top 20 provider of SIPPs in the UK and its experience in this market goes back 20 years.