Investment specialist Blackfinch Group has appointed industry veteran Mark Keogh to spearhead the growth of its managed portfolio service (MPS) and tailored portfolio service (TPS) offerings.

The company said it has made the apppointment in response to financial advisers increasingly seeking outsourcing options.

Mr Keogh has 37 years of industry experience, most recently working at Liontrust Asset Management, and has joined the firm as head of asset management distribution.

His appointment comes as more financial advisers seek bespoke investment solutions for their clients. Research from NextWealth showed that the discretionary MPS market in the UK was worth £123.4bn as at the end of June, up from £96.2bn 12 months earlier.

Blackfinch said it is strategically positioning itself to meet the growing demand through its TPS. Sitting alongside the MPS offering, the firm said the TPS solution will offer a customisable approach, allowing advisers to meet specific client needs.

Richard Cook, chief executive of Blackfinch Group said: “Mark’s extensive experience, particularly in the managed portfolio space and his success in building strong, trusted relationships with advisers, will be key to driving our next phase of growth. As more advisers look for reliable outsourcing options, Mark’s leadership will be vital to expanding our distribution channels.”

Mr Keogh has joined Blackfinch after 13 years at Liontrust, where he served as head of UK Sales, managed portfolio services. He was responsible for growing assets under management from £150m to £1.5bn, as well as covering a range of distribution channels, including national discretionary fund managers (DFMs), national advice firms, networks, acquirers and financial advisers across the UK, as well as working closely with research tools.

Mr Keogh said: “The firm’s values: transparency, adapt, evolve and thrive resonate strongly with me, and I look forward to working with the team to expand our MPS and TPS offering."

In his spare time, Mr Keogh heads for the superbike track and attends dog events with his show cockapoo named Preston.