Funding provider Trade Finance Solutions (TFS) has opened its first European headquarters in London and appointed Chris Ash to lead its growth on the continent.

As president of TFS Europe and head of the London office, Ash will manage a team of lenders to continue the firm’s expansion in Europe and more effectively service its customer base, delivering alternatives to bank financing.

He joins from Trade Finance Partners (TFP), where he was co-chief executive since 2010.

TFS president Steve McDonald says: “This is a significant step forward for TFS and will allow us to continue to expand our global reach. We are pleased to welcome an industry veteran like Chris to our team, given his deep experience providing trade finance products to companies throughout Europe and his understanding of financial markets globally.”

Ash adds: “Our London-based team brings local market expertise, a broad network of relationships with industry participants and a significant pipeline of opportunities.”

Matthew Goddard, also previously at TFP, has joined TFS as head of sales for Emea and Asia Pacific.

TFS was established in 2006 and provides financing options across three continents for distributors, manufacturers, suppliers and retailers. On top of its new office in London, the firm has a presence in Toronto, Canada and Miami, Florida.