A member of the Asia Securities Industry & Financial Markets Association has dubbed a Bermuda company the world’s largest independent service provider to financial services.

The observation comes as Akshay Thakurdesai was appointed by the Bermuda company, the global financial services provider Apex Group Ltd, as its country head in India.

Mr Thakurdesai is the India custody board member of ASIFMA and joins Apex Group from BNP Paribas, where he spent 18 years in senior positions, most recently as head of securities services India.

He commented on his latest appointment: “I have watched Apex Group’s accelerated growth with great interest and have been especially impressed by the quality of client service.

“Following recent growth and strategic acquisitions, Apex Group has grown to become the largest independent service provider globally, offering a unique and compelling single-source solution to its clients.

“I am excited by the opportunity to lead Apex Group’s Indian business as we continue to grow further, welcome new colleagues and efficiently deliver exceptional solutions for our clients.”

Based in Pune, and reporting to Jeff Pamplin, global head of operations, Mr Thakurdesai will be responsible for leading the business and to continue the development and growth of Apex Group’s operations in India.

Apex Group’s India operation has evolved and expanded in line with the group’s global growth trajectory and now services clients from local offices in Pune, Bengaluru and Mumbai.

This strategic appointment follows a period of strong organic and acquisitive growth for Apex Group in India, including the addition of BEST Alternative Advisory Services and becoming one of the first global fund administrators to receive regulatory approval to operate in India’s Gujarat International Finance Tec-City International Financial Centre.