Bibby Financial Services has increased its Asia Pacific presence with the appointment of Ian Watson as chief executive in the region.

This comes after Bibby saw new global business increase by 24% in 2009.

Watson is tasked with capitalising on potential opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses presented by the weak Sterling and increasing global trade flows.

Before his appointment with the company, Watson was managing director of international operations at GMAC Commercial Finance, responsible for overseeing international business based out of the US and Hong Kong.

He says: “Asia Pacific is a region with high potential. Businesses worldwide are yet to fully realise the possibilities that trading with the Asian economies can bring. Bibby Financial Services has an aggressive growth strategy for the Asia Pacific region which is exciting and an opportunity not to be missed.”