Meet The Team
Mark Dormer
Managing Partner
Mark is a senior financial services executive with 25+ years’ experience in global markets, trading, and strategic leadership. He began his career at Morgan Stanley and held senior roles at Panmure Gordon, Bankers Trust, Citigroup, and UBS, where he was Head of UK Program Trading. He has also held senior management roles at Exception Capital LLC and advised firms including Thames Capital Research and Allston Trading UK on UK operations and governance. Mark has extensive board experience, driving business development, compliance, and strategic execution across private, public, and charitable sectors.
Barry Cridland
Compliance Manager
Barry brings decades of experience in financial services, specialising in compliance, governance, and regulatory strategy. He has worked with regulators from the PIA to the FCA, advised on policy, product design, and governance, and represented the industry on key committees, including DB pension transfers. Combining commercial insight with regulatory integrity, Barry helps firms build strong compliance cultures that protect clients, manage risk, and enable sustainable growth.
Chris Thornton
Senior Partner and Head of US Operations
With 15 years of international and US-specific experience, Chris leads our US operations, providing expert guidance to clients navigating complex financial landscapes. As an S65-qualified investment adviser, he specialises in tailored solutions for cross-border clients. Combining deep industry knowledge with strong managerial expertise, Chris ensures seamless advisory services and strategic growth in the US market.
Alex Cockerill
Senior Partner and Financial Adviser
Alex served as a Royal Marines Commando from 2005 to 2009, completing two operational tours before transitioning into Financial Services. Beginning as a Business Development Manager at an International Trust Company, he later joined the largest offshore pensions trust company as International Pensions Manager, ultimately overseeing its entire pension division.
In 2017, driven by a passion for client care, Alex moved into the advisory sector, where he has remained ever since. As one of the most highly qualified advisers in the international market, Alex holds the STEP Certificate in International Trust Management, the Diploma for Financial Advisers (DipFA), the Level 6 Pension Transfers (PETR), the Certificate in Long Term Care and Later Life Planning (Cert LTCP), is a fully qualified US Investment Adviser with FINRA (Series 65) and is a member of the London Institute of Banking and Finance. Dedicated to delivering expert cross-border financial advice, Alex continues to provide tailored solutions for clients worldwide.
Andrew Topping
Senior Partner and Financial Adviser
Andrew is a Chartered Wealth Manager and Fellow of the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI) with extensive experience in private banking, investment advisory, and financial planning, advising high-net-worth (HNW) and ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) clients on investments, tax mitigation, and estate planning. He has held senior roles at St. James’s Place and Société Générale Private Banking Hambros, managing c.£100m AUM and delivering tailored investment and lending solutions, with earlier positions at HSBC and RBS International focused on private equity, fund, and corporate relationships. Holding an MSc in Finance and Investment and a BA (Hons) in Business Management, Andrew combines expertise in onshore and offshore strategies with strong introducer networks, earning a reputation as a trusted adviser in complex financial landscapes.
Dean Arden
Senior Partner and Financial Adviser
With over a decade of experience as an international financial adviser, Dean brings deep expertise and a personal touch to every client relationship. He holds the UK Level 4 Diploma for Financial Advisers (DipFA) and works with clients across Australia, Europe, and Canada.
Dean is known for building exceptionally strong, long-term relationships with both new and existing clients—offering trusted, tailored advice that supports their financial goals, wherever they are in the world.
Edward King
Senior Partner and Financial Adviser
Edward King is a Senior Partner and Financial Adviser with more than a decade of experience in wealth management and client relations.
He began his career in 2012 as a relationship manager with an industry-leading firm, later progressing into the client services team. In 2017, Edward made the natural transition to financial adviser, a role that allowed him to deepen his impact by guiding clients through complex financial decisions with clarity and confidence.
Today, as Senior Partner, he brings a strong technical foundation and a client-first approach to everything he does. Known for his exceptional relationship management skills, Edward is committed to helping clients achieve long-term financial success through trusted guidance and strategic insight. His areas of expertise include retirement planning, family succession, and estate planning, where he works closely with clients to preserve wealth and secure financial futures across generations. Outside of work, Edward values time with his family and enjoys golf as a way to recharge and stay connected.
William Fryer
Senior Partner and Financial Adviser
William brings over 16 years of wealth management experience to Paratus Wealth, specialising in tailored financial planning for high-net-worth individuals and businesses with cross-border needs. Holding the Chartered Insurance Institute's Diploma in Financial Planning and the International Certificate in Wealth Management from The Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment, he excels in simplifying complex strategies for investments, tax optimisation, and estate planning.
In his early career, William worked for a large global financial advisory company, advising international clients across multiple jurisdictions. He later played a key role in building the company's UK presence before establishing his own successful Practice in partnership with St. James’s Place. Over more than a decade, he grew the business by placing client relationships at its heart and delivering bespoke, trusted financial solutions. He now brings this depth of experience and expertise to the Paratus Wealth team.
Calvin Thomas
Senior Partner and Financial Adviser
Calvin is a Senior Partner at Paratus Wealth with over 20 years of international wealth management experience advising high-net-worth individuals and families. He is a Series 65–qualified US Investment Adviser, specialising in assisting US-connected clients with cross-border planning and long-term investment strategy.
Previously, Calvin held senior leadership and founding partner roles within established international wealth management firms, where he played a key role in building businesses, advising clients across multiple jurisdictions, and shaping long-term strategic direction. He brings deep technical expertise, strategic leadership, and a client-focused approach to Paratus Wealth.
Niten Mamtora
Head of Client Services
Niten plays a key role in supporting our advisers and enhancing client relationships. With 15 years’ experience, starting originally with HSBC in the UK, then 10 years ago moving into the cross-border financial advisory sector, he ensures seamless service, helping clients navigate complex financial landscapes across Europe, Australia, and the USA. Dedicated to excellence, Niten provides the backbone of our client support, ensuring a smooth and valuable experience for all.
Poppy Nowell
HR & Adviser Administration Manager
Poppy began her career at a leading IT organization, where she played a key role in the HR & Admin team, supporting over 600 staff. In 2016, she transitioned into the financial advisory sector, gaining extensive experience in supporting advisers and acting as a vital link between institutions and investment managers. With a strong background in HR and operations, Poppy ensures seamless administrative support and efficient processes across the firm.
Rosie Richards
Adviser Support Specialist
Rosie plays a crucial role in supporting our advisers, ensuring smooth and efficient administrative processes. With a strong background in client services and administration, she assists in managing client documentation, liaising with institutions, and streamlining operations to enhance the client experience. Dedicated and detail-oriented, Rosie helps maintain the highest standards of service and support across the advisory team.
Hamish Gonella
Head of Internal IT Support
With a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Cyber Security and Networking from Glasgow Caledonian University, Hamish leads our IT operations with expertise and innovation. Additionally, holding an HNC/HND in Cyber Security from Ayrshire College, he ensures our systems remain secure, efficient, and resilient. Dedicated to supporting our team and clients, Hamish plays a crucial role in safeguarding our technology infrastructure.