Houston-based firm is building out its European multifamily-office business. Stanford Group (Suisse), the Zurich-based arm of U.S. wealth-management and investment-banking firm Stanford Financial Group, has hired Barbara Hauser and James Thompson as senior advisors in its Private Wealth Advisory group.

Hauser and Thompson join Felicity Keller, who leads the Private Wealth Advisory group, a team that provides advisory services to high-net-worth individuals and families.

Third generation

"Keller and her team offer a differentiated approach from other market players, where conflicts of interest often interfere with a truly client-centered philosophy," says Jack Staley, president of Stanford's European business. "Stanford, as a third- generation family-owned business, is uniquely positioned and qualified to advise other business-owning families."

The late Lodis Stanford founded Stanford in 1932. His grandson Allen Stanford is now its chairman and CEO.

Hauser specializes in family governance, education, business succession and legacy planning. She is a frequent speaker at family-office and legal conferences.

Who's who

Thompson comes to Stanford from Rothschild in London, where he was head of marketing. He has also worked at Cazenove and Warburg. His specialty is business development, especially in the realm of family-owned business.

Keller, a barrister and estate planner, has worked at Credit Suisse and Pictet & Cie.

Hauser, Thompson and Keller are responsible for advising wealthy families with particular emphasis on the challenges that confront intergenerational wealth holders.

Last month Stanford Group (Suisse) hired former Julius Baer executive Leo Schrutt to manage its office in Zurich.

Stanford Group (Suisse) AG provides investment advisory and discretionary asset management along with trust services and research.

Houston-based wealth management and investment banking firm Stanford has affiliated offices in the Americas and Europe. -FWR

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