THE founding chairman of the UK’s first new private bank in more than 30 years is to step down from the board.

Hampden & Co, which opened its doors in Charlotte Square in Edinburgh three years ago, has announced Ray Entwistle will retire later this year but maintain a role with the firm.

Mr Entwistle, 74, said: “I was being described as a ‘veteran banker’ in the media before Hampden & Co even opened.

“This past three years have been exciting, fuelled by clients who continue to write to me to say what a pleasure it is to have found a bank that acts with decency and integrity."

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He said: “I will continue to be involved with Hampden & Co, as we become the most respected private bank in the United Kingdom.

"The new chairperson will bring new energy to the development of our mission to create ‘the’ private bank for the 21st century."

Graeme Hartop, Hampden & Co chief executive, said: “Ray has been instrumental and inspirational in the set-up of Hampden & Co and we would not be where we are today without his vision and tenacity.

"He is fantastic at working with clients and shareholders so I am delighted that he’ll have a good involvement doing that sort of activity and flying the flag for Hampden when he is out and about."

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Mr Entwistle moved to Scotland in 1977 to set up Lloyds Bank’s first branch in Edinburgh.

He had chaired Adam & Company before deciding to set up a new private bank in 2010, which then launched as Hampden & Co in 2015 with the Charlotte Square offices and in Mayfair in London.

The selection of Mr Entwistle’s successor will be led by senior independent director, Alex Hammond-Chambers, who is the former executive chairman of Ivory & Sime.