JP Morgan Treasury & Securities Services (TSS) has appointed Bronwyn Clere as head of the Melbourne and New Zealand direct custody and clearing business units.

Clere has recently returned to Australia from Hong Kong, where she led the program management function for a large financial services organisation across 15 Asia-Pacific markets.

She has also worked for Axa Asia Pacific, including as portfolio administration services operations general manager, which included the Summit and Generations platforms.

"Bronwyn's extensive knowledge of the local market and her strong management skills and client service focus will be invaluable as we further enhance the services that we offer to our clients in Australia and New Zealand; a market that represents an integral part of the firm's broader Asia-Pacific growth strategy," JP Morgan TSS Australia and New Zealand chief executive Jane Perry said.

The appointment comes after the company completed the migration of ANZ Custodian Services in November last year, which increased its presence in Melbourne and New Zealand.

Earlier this year, JP Morgan TSS already strengthened its team with the appointment of Wayne Francis as head of direct custody and clearing for Australia and New Zealand and Ben Vanden Boom as head of Worldwide Securities Services operations for Melbourne and New Zealand.

Francis, who joined in January, has worked as Citigroup securities and fund services Australia and New Zealand director, while Vanden Boom, who joined in March, came from Axa Australia, where he was central operations general manager.

"Direct custody is a natural extension of our existing Treasury and Securities Services business and should enhance both sides of the business," Perry said.

"We have already seen examples of how direct custody and our core securities business are providing integrated solutions to benefit our clients and we look forward to identifying further opportunities that strengthen our offering with these recent senior hires."