Close Brothers Asset Management has appointed James Ballinger FPFS as practice director of its London advice team.

He will help support the growth of its wealth management offering for high net worth clients.

He joins Close from Moneyfarm, where he was head of advisory, managing the investment advisory team and assisting in running the UK commercial operation.

Prior to this he spent nearly 13 years at Saunderson House as a Chartered Financial Planner and then associate director. He is a fellow of the Personal Finance Society and a Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute.

Close Bros AM says his experience will develop CBAM’s fully integrated wealth management approach, enhancing the relationships between advisers and investment managers. The appointment comes at a time of growth for the firm, with the Mayfair office recently reaching £1bn in AUM and a new office opening in Chester.

Martin Andrew, chief executive of Close Brothers Asset Management, said: “James is a key part of our strategy to enhance our offering to high net worth clients. His extensive management and Financial Planning experience will lend itself to strong leadership for our London advice team and ensure the ongoing delivery of great service to our clients.”