David Barrett Steps Down as UK CEO of EBC Financial Group After Six Years

David Barrett has stepped down as Chief Executive Officer of the UK arm of EBC Financial Group, concluding a six-year tenure leading the FCA-regulated entity.

The change is reflected on the register of the Financial Conduct Authority, which states that Barrett is “no longer in a role that requires regulatory approval,” indicating his formal exit from the position.

Barrett served as both Director and CEO of the UK business during his time with the broker. In parallel, he also held a leadership role with the group’s Cayman Islands entity for approximately four years, reflecting a remit that spanned multiple jurisdictions and operational structures within the wider group.

Beyond his executive role at EBC, Barrett has maintained an active presence in financial consultancy. He has led Elm House Advisors Ltd for more than six years, focusing on foreign exchange, fixed income risk, and operational management advisory. Prior to that, he ran Raynehurst Advisors Ltd for around five years and earlier founded MKM Advisors Ltd, where he spent roughly six years building out advisory capabilities.

His departure comes at a time when EBC is continuing to expand its international footprint. The group’s South African entity has recently secured authorisation from the Financial Sector Conduct Authority as a Financial Services Provider, part of a broader push into new markets.

The move also coincides with wider shifts across the retail trading sector, including IG Group scaling back its South African operations, highlighting diverging regional strategies among brokers.

While no successor has been publicly named, Barrett’s exit marks a notable leadership change for EBC’s UK operations after several years of steady management across both regulated and offshore entities.