Born 1949 in Sheffield, Yorkshire.

Married Jenny 1972; two adult sons.

35+ years experience of the financial sector, including personal, corporate and merchant banking.

Managed the Edinburgh representative office of the London merchant bank, Kleinwort Benson, throughout most of the 1980s.

Established a UK-based company 1988, advising the boards of many leading UK, European and North American companies - specifically concerning their relationships with institutional shareholders.

In-depth understanding of financial markets and investment techniques.

Resident of Cyprus 1998-2008, and of Switzerland from July 2008.