Johannesburg-headquartered , which has made a number of senior appointments in recent months, has named Ben Watson as the business development manager for Africa, which is a newly created role. 

Watson and his team will manage the relationship between Standard Bank and independent financial advisors around the world, by providing for the IFA market, according to a company statement.

Prior to joining Standard Bank, Watson was a sales consultant for the Middle East and Africa region with Royal Skandia.

Based in the company’s Isle of Man office, Watson will report to John Hall, head of independent financial advisor distribution. This appointment comes as the bank is looking to expand its network of independent financial advisors in Africa, according to the company.