The division operates across the wealth management, banking and asset management sectors and Mr Baines will be responsible for identifying and capitalising on growth opportunities, enhancing existing client relationships and the strategic development of the division.

Mr Baines joins Microgen Financial Systems from Exponent Private Equity, where he had a strong focus on identifying and making investments in the financial services sector and then working as a board director with the management teams of acquired companies. Prior to Exponent, he spent nine years at Bain & Company, an international consulting firm, where he advised large corporations on strategy, operational improvement, organisational change and acquisition integration. He brings this broad business expertise and an insight and understanding into both the end-user market and the software industry in which the financial services division operates to his role as Managing Director.

Simon Baines, Managing Director, Microgen Financial Systems, said: "Financial services is a dynamic industry, which after the turmoil of the past three years is starting to see a return to growth in certain target sectors, especially wealth management. Microgen's exceptional experience in this market and strong consistent profitability provides an excellent platform to capitalise on these opportunities."

Microgen Chief Operating Officer, David Sherriff, said: "There is a real desire in the financial services industry to work with companies that are not only financially strong but are also experts in their field and genuinely understand the business challenges that the industry is facing. Simon's experience and strong consulting skills, mean that he offers our clients a detailed understanding of the sector and the expertise to lead the Microgen Financial Systems Division through its next phase."