New directors will aid growth of Albecq Trust

Two new directors will bring a wider skillset to the board of Guernsey boutique independent fiduciary firm Albecq Trust Company Limited.

Peter Dorey has been promoted from within the existing Albecq team while chartered accountant Stephen Le Ray has been hired to bring his business development and management reporting skills to the board.

Albecq was founded by Mike Kupenga and Mik Underdown four years ago and is pursuing structured growth. New hires will take the headcount to 16 over the coming weeks.

Mr Underdown said that there were clear opportunities for all Albecq employees to achieve promotion and the company would also be opportunistic about hiring new people with the right expertise to help grow the business.

“We are open for business and open-minded about growth,” he said.

Mr Dorey, who describes himself as “hands on” is a trust professional with more than 20 years’ experience in the private client sector. In addition to managing a portfolio of clients he will take on extra internal duties including the lead role in onboarding new clients.

With more than 25 years in the finance industry Mr Le Ray is an experienced fiduciary director and chartered accountant.

Having worked for Barclays Wealth Trustees and more recently Trust Corporation, he was also involved in growing Bourse Trust Company from just two employees and relishes his return to a boutique firm where he will have input on further developing systems and operations.

“In Albecq I saw a like-minded team which is open and collaborative and wanting to work to achieve long term goals, aims and ambitions that fit very closely with my own,” he said.

His role will combine business development, accounting and management reporting, client relationship management and operational direction.

Mr Underdown said: “From a governance point of view it’s good to have fresh sets of eyes seeing the business from a new perspective and challenging the board. I’m certain that both Peter and Stephen will make a very valuable contribution as we continue to grow the business.”