Butterfield Bank is branching out its fast-growing overseas operations with the set up of a new office in the UK.

The bank yesterday announced the establishment of Butterfield International Private Office Ltd. in London as part of its expanding wealth management business.

Butterfield International Private Office, a new subsidiary of Butterfield Bank Group, will concentrate on client acquisition for the group's network of trust businesses, comprising offices in Bermuda, Cayman, Guernsey, Hong Kong, Switzerland, Malta and The Bahamas.

Providing independent fiduciary and asset structuring services to international families, with emphasis on the use of private trust companies, will be central to the company's value proposition.

Katie Booth, who is a qualified trust lawyer with 15 years experience in both the UK and The Bahamas, has been appointed managing director of Butterfield International Private Office. Ms. Booth joins Butterfield Bank Group after seven years at Rothschild Trust in London, where she was an executive director.

Graham Brooks, executive vice-president, International said: "We are delighted to have recruited an executive with Katie's considerable experience and talent to lead our new company. She brings very strong technical knowledge, as well as outstanding client relationship and business development skills.

"Katie has an excellent reputation in the international financial services community."

Regarding the establishment of Butterfield International Private Office, Mr. Brooks said, "The incorporation of an International Private Office in London alongside our existing private banking and trust businesses demonstrates our commitment to providing a broad suite of services to meet the increasingly complex needs of high net worth individuals and their families."

Butterfield Bank Group recently announced the expansion of its Swiss presence by the establishment of Butterfield Trust (Switzerland) based in Geneva and acquired the Bentley Reid Group, with offices in London, Hong Kong and Malta.