Leadership
Northern Trust Creates EMEA Insurance Head Role, Appoints Barclays Veteran Andy Ponsford
By News Desk ·
Key takeaways
- Andy Ponsford joined Northern Trust as Head of Insurance, Europe, Middle East and Africa, a newly created role.
- Northern Trust serves more than 200 insurance clients globally, representing approximately $1.3 trillion in assets under administration and custody.
- Ponsford brings more than 25 years of financial services experience, most recently as Managing Director, Global Head of Insurance & Funds at Barclays Bank PLC.
Northern Trust has appointed Andy Ponsford to the newly created role of Head of Insurance, Europe, Middle East and Africa, the company said in a Business Wire announcement on October 28, 2026. Ponsford joins from Barclays Bank PLC, where he was Managing Director, Global Head of Insurance & Funds and Head of Corporate Strategic Solutions.
Ponsford's Mandate at Northern Trust
In the role, Ponsford will lead the continued expansion of Northern Trust's insurance servicing capabilities across EMEA. The firm said he will help deliver an integrated operating model designed to support the operational, accounting, investment and regulatory needs of insurance companies.
Ponsford will be responsible for driving strategic growth of the insurance business across EMEA, strengthening client relationships and advancing servicing capabilities. He will also help clients navigate market, regulatory and operational demands, according to the announcement.
Ponsford brings more than 25 years of experience in financial services, with what the firm described as deep experience leading insurance coverage and scaling businesses. Before Barclays, he held several senior leadership positions at J.P. Morgan.
"Andy brings extensive experience serving insurance clients and a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the industry," said Ian Hamilton, Head of Asset Owners, EMEA at Northern Trust. "As we continue to enhance our insurance capabilities across EMEA, his leadership will be key in helping us deliver solutions that meet insurers' evolving needs."
Northern Trust currently serves more than 200 insurance clients globally, representing approximately $1.3 trillion in assets under administration and custody. The firm said the new role reflects a broader strategy to deliver a comprehensive servicing ecosystem tailored to insurers.
Northern Trust's EMEA Expansion Record
Northern Trust received a licence from the Central Bank of Ireland in June 2026 to establish The Northern Trust Company, Ireland Branch, which will provide custodial, banking and capital markets services to Ireland-domiciled clients, according to akta.pro company records. The same records show the firm launched two actively managed UCITS funds in June 2026, the NT World Multifactor Focus Select and NT World Multifactor Select, for institutional and wholesale clients across EMEA and APAC.
Earlier Appointments This Month
Northern Trust appointed Rima Qureshi, former Verizon chief strategy officer, to its board of directors effective immediately, Stock Titan reported on October 20, 2026. Qureshi brings nearly four decades of experience and more than 15 years of public company board service, including 15 years on Mastercard's board.
Northern Trust Wealth Management appointed John Warme, CAIA, as Senior Portfolio Advisor, the Orange County Business Journal reported on October 26, 2026. The same day, Jenny Kanter Smith joined Northern Trust Wealth Management as Senior Relationship Advisor, EIN Presswire reported; she brings experience as a practicing attorney leading Trust Administration and advising ultra-high-net-worth clients.