These are busy times for financial services firm Zedra as the business prepares to boost the number of staff in the island to more than 100, says the new managing director Joanna Bodell.

The company specialises in trust, corporate and fund services and is based on the second floor of St George’s Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas.

Zedra recently announced the acquisition of LJ Fiduciary from investment firm Alvarium. It means LJ Fiduciary will be rebranded and merged into the existing Zedra network.

Mrs Bodell, who was recently promoted to managing director at Zedra, explained that around 30 staff who worked for LJ Fiduciary in Parliament Square, Ramsey, will be joining her colleagues.

She promised they will be given a ’warm welcome’.

She said it will mean the total number of staff will be increased to more than 100.

She told Business News it was ’positive and exciting news’ for Zedra which is part of a global group spanning Asia, Oceania, the Americas and Europe.

Zedra has also announced a strategic partnership with private equity group Corsair Capital which means Corsair has a majority stake in Zedra.

Manxwoman Mrs Bodell, 46, recently promoted to managing director after joining Zedra as a director two years ago, said there were ’excellent vibes’ among the staff at the island office.

Mrs Bodell’s career spans 25 years in the fiduciary services sector.

Her experience includes managing complex trust and corporate structures for private and corporate clients located around the globe, including the UK, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. She has managed structures holding a variety of assets with a particular focus on property holding structures, including residential, commercial and student accommodation, located in the UK, Ireland and Europe.

As managing director at ZEDRA, she specialises in trust and corporate structuring as well as handling client relationships and managing business development.

Mrs Bodell is a member of STEP (Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners) and holds the society’s diploma in international trust management.

Bart Deconinck, group executive chairman said: ’Today marks the start of the next stage of Zedra’s ambitious growth plans.

’Powered by a combination of the resources and expertise of Corsair, together with Zedra’s considerable experience in the sector, we are looking forward to a period of rapid growth and expansion of the range of services we offer to our clients.

’The major acquisitions we have made over the past year expand our clients and staff into the Zedra family.’