Franzen's appointment will enable Gresham to build on its successful reseller and implementation partnership with Wall Street Systems, better support its business in the region, and further promote Gresham's Clareti suite of solutions to Asian banks and corporations.

Franzen will be responsible for all sales and customer relationships in the region and will report into John Pankhurst, Gresham's managing director for the Asia Pacific. Franzen's key objective is to expand the team of banking and treasury sales specialists to represent both Gresham's flagship real-time financial solutions and Wall Street Systems' treasury, trading and settlement systems.

"We are pleased to have Gerrit join our management team and this is further evidence of our commitment to the Wall Street Systems' product portfolio, our local customers and the region," said Pankhurst. "Gresham is investing heavily in the Asia-Pac region and this senior hire adds strength to our extensive expertise in treasury and payments. Gerrit will enable us to build new revenue opportunities for Gresham's proven technology solutions while also leading our already successful relationship with Wall Street Systems."

Gresham has established itself in Malaysia as a key integration partner for Wall Street Systems, the leading provider of global treasury, trading and settlement solutions and services. Under the agreement, Gresham provides the implementation of Wallstreet BackOffice, Wallstreet FX, Wallstreet Treasury and Wallstreet Suite, a versatile treasury and cash management system for financial institutions and corporates. The two companies count Petronas, the largest oil company in the region, as a joint client.

Franzen will lead the expansion of Gresham's newly opened offices in Kuala Lumpur and will look to drive business growth for Gresham's real-time financial solutions, including the flagship Clareti Cash Reporting Service, a global solution for SWIFTNet Cash Reporting. The firm has also investeteted in appointing local partners and sales agents in Singapore and Malaysia to increase market penetration.

Of his appointment Franzen commented, "Gresham has a proven track record as an integration specialist working with some of the largest banks and corporates in the Asia Pacific region. The strong partnership with Wall Street Systems will enable us to create significant growth opportunities and I am looking forward to building my team further while helping the firm to continue its momentum in this region."

Franzen, who will be based in Sydney, has extensive knowledge of the Asian banking and finance industry and counts more than 30 years experience in technology, sales, senior management and directorship roles. He has excellent knowledge of the issues facing bankers today and the benefits that real-time information can bring to both the asset management and payments arenas. Prior to taking the role at Gresham, Franzen held senior sales and management roles at Barclays Bank Australia, NCR, CA, Oracle and SAP.

Franzen's hire follows the recent announcement in February 2007 that former Expand Consulting managing partner Gary Gibbs has joined Gresham as executive vice president for North America.