The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has appointed Ashley Alder as its new Chairman and has named six directors as it expands its headcount to pursue a three-year strategy outlined earlier this year.

Mr Alder, currently Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission CEO, will begin a five-year term from January.

The FCA also last week also said it had appointed six directors who bring deep expertise and broad experience to the organisation as its responsibilities expand.

“As our remit grows and to deliver on our ambitious strategy, we’re continuing to develop and bring in the skills and talent we need,” CEO Nikhil Rathi said.

Anthony Monaghan has been promoted to Director of Retail and Regulatory Investigations, with responsibility for sectors including banking, insurance, financial advice and personal pensions.

Karen Baxter, who has had a 30-year policing career, joins the enforcement team as Director of Strategy, Policy, International and Intelligence.

The regulator has also appointed a Director of Consumer Finance, Director of Wholesale Buy-Side, Director of Payments and Digital Assets and made a permanent appointment in the role of Director of Wholesale, Sell-Side.