Former solicitor Rob Everett is relocating to New Zealand to become chief executive of the Financial Markets Authority (FMA), the country’s agency responsible for financial regulation.

Previously, Everett was director at regulatory consultancy UK Promontory Financial Group. Before that he spent 17 years at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, in various roles including Europe general counsel, head of legal and compliance and head of legal and investment banking in EMEA. He trained at magic circle firm Allen & Overy.

FMA chairman Simon Allen said Everett has a wealth of experience in law and compliance and will bring ’a  truly global perspective on financial markets and regulation’.

Everett said: ‘I see this as a great opportunity to contribute to the development of New Zealand’s capital markets and the broader economy.’

Everett will become chief executive from 3 February. Liam Mason, head of legal at the FMA, will be acting head when current chief executive Sean Hughes steps down in December.