Equity Trust, the trust and fiduciary services firm, has appointed Nigel Rivers as the new managing director of its Hong Kong office.

Mr Rivers, a commercial and corporate lawyer, joined the company in August 2008 as head of private clients in Hong Kong. He takes over from Robin Harris, who recently resigned - after 11 years with the firm - to pursue other interests, Equity Trust said in a statement.

Equity Trust has been growing its operations in Asia, particularly in Hong Kong, because of the region's relatively low tax rates, free market practices, and efficient legal and financial framework, the company says on its website. Equity Trust has around 120 staff in Hong Kong operating across three business lines: private clients and high net worth individuals, corporate services, and international corporations.