ClearBank, the challenger bank launched by Worldpay founder Nick Ogden, has hired Angela Roberts as group general counsel. Roberts is joining from global asset management firm Allspring Global Investments, where she has spent three and a half years as head of EMEA legal.
Roberts brings with her extensive in-house experience, having also previously held positions at Wells Fargo, the Financial Conduct Authority and Prudential, among others. Roberts was appointed to the role on 1 December and replaces Philip House, who has moved into the role of senior policy adviser.
Of her move, Roberts commented: ‘I am excited to join ClearBank at such a transformative time for the business. The evolving regulatory environment across the UK and Europe presents both challenges and opportunities for innovation, and I look forward to working with the leadership team to support ClearBank’s ambition and help drive its next phase of growth.’
Elsewhere in the UK, The Charity Commission announced that former National Trust GC Jan Lasik is joining as director of legal and accountancy services. Lasik, who began his career in private practice, first at Allen & Overy and then at Skadden, joined the National Trust in 2018, before which he was deputy head of legal at the Bank of England. He will take on his new role in January next year.
Speaking of his appointment, Charity Commission Chief Executive, David Holdsworth said: ‘We were fortunate to attract an impressive pool of candidates in which Jan stood out. He brings a strong understanding of charity and wider law at a challenging time for the sector, and his experience, including working for an independent statutory regulator from his time at the Bank of England, will be of benefit as the Commission expands its casework staffing and explores the potential for technology solutions to meet increasing demand.’
Newly merged VodafoneThree has hired former Mishcon de Reya partner Alison Geary as head of litigation. Geary joins the telecoms giant from IBM, where she worked as senior counsel, EMEA investigations, regional leader.
Geary moved to IBM in mid-2024 from private practice, having spent two years as a white-collar crime and investigations partner at Mishcon, before which she was a counsel at WilmerHale.
Meanwhile, in the US, the newly departed Snap Inc GC Michael O’Sullivan is joining Berkshire Hathaway as senior vice president and general counsel. The multinational conglomerate announced that this is a new role within the company, which has primarily used external legal counsel in the past.
O’Sullivan, who will take up the role on 1 January, served as GC at messaging service Snap since 2017, having joined from American firm Munger Tolles & Olson, which has strong ties to Berkshire Hathaway. His appointment coincides with the retirement of long-serving CEO Warren Buffett.
Global investment firm Carlyle announced the retirement of long-term GC Jeffrey Ferguson. Ferguson has been in the top legal role since 1999 and will be retiring in 2026.
Carlyle CEO Harvey Schwartz said: ‘Jeff has made important contributions to Carlyle’s legal framework over more than two decades. As we begin the search for our next general counsel, we thank him for his service to the firm and appreciate his support during the transition.’
Insurance company insurance giant Howden US announced the appointment of Chris Aries as GC of its US retail broking and advisory business. Aires joins the group from the professional services firm Aon, where he spent the last 22 years in various senior legal positions and strategy roles.
