Opera strengthens leadership following HFL acquisition

Opera, a privately held company of fiduciary, corporate and fund administration businesses, has expanded its leadership team with the appointment of Matt Westgarth-Smith, managing director of HFL Limited, who steps into wider responsibilities following Opera’s completed acquisition of HFL and full regulatory approval.

Matt joins the Opera Limited board as an executive director alongside Richard Collenette, Fintan Kennedy and Kim Sgarlata. 

He also becomes group head of institutional clients, working alongside Stuart Dowding, group head of private clients.

Matt’s experience and industry networks will support Opera’s continued growth across fund and corporate services as the group integrates Amber Trust (now Oak Bahamas), HFL and Oak under a unified but carefully preserved operating model.

He said: “It’s a privilege to join the Opera board and lead the institutional client teams.

“These appointments ensure that HFL’s perspective and expertise are embedded in Opera’s long-term strategy. 

“As part of the group’s governance team, I am committed to helping shape a future defined by innovation, performance and meaningful client partnerships. 

“Each entity within Opera group shares a belief in purposeful growth and together we will unlock new opportunities while remaining true to the values that define us.”

Opera is progressing its wider strategic plan, Project Overture, which brings together culturally aligned fiduciary and corporate services firms. 

Further acquisitions – Accuro and Meritus, both subject to approval – will take Opera’s assets under administration from $37 billion to more than $71 billion and expand its global team to 600 people.

Kim Sgarlata, group chief executive and executive director, added: “Richard, Fintan and I are pleased to welcome Matt to the Opera leadership team. 

“His deep expertise in serving institutional clients, combined with his track record of building innovative, people-first solutions at HFL, brings added strength to our leadership. 

“He will be invaluable as we accelerate the delivery of our fund and corporate services strategy across the group. 

“I look forward to working with him again as we shape Opera’s next chapter.”

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