NEW YORK, Dec. 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Barclays announces that it has hired Stephen Liss and Alpa Patel as Directors in the New York and San Francisco offices of the Wealth and Investment Management division. In these newly created roles, they will advise high net worth clients and related entities on domestic and international wealth structuring, multi-generational estate planning, wealth preservation strategies, and planned charitable giving.

"We are extremely pleased to welcome professionals of Stephen and Alpa's caliber to Barclays" said Mitch Cox, Head of Wealth Management, Americas for Barclays. "As we seek to organize, preserve and enhance our clients' wealth across generations, Stephen and Alpa's wealth management experience will be invaluable in supporting our client's lifestyles and broader ambitions for their families."

Mr. Liss will join the New York-based team which includes Anthony Ruscigno, Director and Kristen Rode, Assistant Vice President. Ms. Patel will be based in the San Francisco office and will serve clients in the West Coast and Texas regions. Both will report to Chris Johnson, Director.

Mr. Liss was previously a Partner at the international law firm Withers Bergman LLP where he worked for 11 years.  He holds a B.A. in History and Africana Studies from Vassar College., a J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center (cum laude), and a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Taxation from the New York University School of Law. Mr. Liss has been admitted to practice law in New York State, Connecticut and the United States Tax Court.  He is also a member of the American Bar Association (Real Property, Trust and Estate Law Section), the Connecticut Bar Association, and the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners. Mr. Liss has authored a number of articles and has been published in the Estate Planning Journal, the Journal of Taxation, Trusts and Estates Magazine, the STEP Journal and Private Wealth, among others.

Ms. Patel brings 18 years of experience advising corporate executives and high net worth individuals on a range of wealth planning matters. Most recently she served as the West Coast Head for the Wealth Planning Group at Credit Suisse and was a frequent speaker and presenter to Silicon Valley corporate executives and charitable institutions. Ms. Patel has substantial experience in working with clients on their philanthropic goals, including the formation and oversight of private foundations and assisting clients with establishing donor advised funds. Prior to joining Credit Suisse, Ms. Patel practiced law for Bronson, Bronson & McKinnon and later with Bryan, Hinshaw & Barnet, LLP. She started her legal career with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in the Enforcement Division. Ms. Patel holds a J.D. and a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Taxation with honors, from Golden Gate University School of Law.

"I look forward to working with Stephen and Alpa as we continue to build relationships and provide clients sophisticated solutions to help them meet their complex financial goals," says Chris Johnson, Director.

With 13 offices across the U.S. including the Barclays Wealth Trustees (U.S.), NA., the Wealth and Investment Management division of Barclays provides comprehensive wealth management to high net worth individuals and families. The firm focuses on understanding its clients' financial needs, personal aspirations and tolerance for risk in order to design and implement highly customized investment solutions.

About Barclays

Barclays moves, lends and invests money for customers and clients worldwide.  With over 300 years of history and expertise in banking, we operate in over 50 countries and employ over 140,000 people.

Our customers and clients benefit from access to the breadth of expertise across Barclays.  We are one of the largest financial services providers in the world, engaged in retail banking, credit cards, corporate and investment banking, and wealth and investment management.

We are a leading global wealth and investment manager providing international and private banking, wealth planning, trust and fiduciary services, investment management, brokerage services and research to private and intermediary clients around the world.

"Barclays" refers to any company in the Barclays PLC group of companies.

Neither Barclays in the U.S. nor its Wealth and Investment Management employees in the U.S. render tax or legal advice. Please consult with your accountant, tax advisor, and/or attorney for advice concerning your particular circumstances.

Barclays offers wealth management products and services to its clients through Barclays Bank PLC ("BBPLC"), functioning in the United States through Barclays Capital Inc. ("BCI"), an affiliate of BBPLC.  BCI is a registered broker dealer and investment adviser, regulated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, with offices at 200 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10166.  Member FINRA and SIPC. Barclays Bank PLC, registered in England and Wales (no. 1026167), has a registered office at 1 Churchill Place, London, E14 5HP, United Kingdom, and is regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

Mortgage products and services in the U.S are offered by Barclays Bank Delaware ("BBD"), member FDIC.  Custom lending is offered via BBPLC, New York Branch.  Securities investing and brokerage products and services are offered exclusively through BCI.  A relationship with the Barclays Wealth and Investment Management unit need not be established or maintained to obtain BBD or BBPLC, New York Branch products or pricing.  Bank regulations require that the loan review and approval proves to be independent of, and cannot be impacted by, brokerage/investment-related matters or other business dealings.

Trust and fiduciary services are offered through Barclays Wealth Trustees (U.S.), N.A. ("BWT") a limited purpose national bank. BWT is subject to regulation and examination by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. BWT is an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of BBPLC and an affiliate of BCI and various other subsidiaries of, and entities affiliated with, BBPLC.

This is not a solicitation of any products or services.

SOURCE Barclays