Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it's Alex

A NEW accounting superhero has joined the battle against crime in Scotland – although hopefully he won't have to wear tights and a cape in his latest role as a "fraud fighter".

Alex McLaren, director of forensic services with Begbies Traynor's Scottish forensic division, has been elected vice-president of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE).

The ACFE boasts 50,000 members globally and he wants to recruit more crime fighters to its ranks north of the Border.

McLaren, who is also a criminologist, says: "Fraud is now a major issue and, in 2009, because of the recession and the absence of proper controls, reported fraud increased by a massive 670 per cent. And that's just the tip of the iceberg, as much of it goes uncovered and isn't reported. I anticipate an even greater increase this year."

McLaren joined Begbies Traynor last year and now leads a fraud team that assists both claimant and defendant solicitors, insurers, companies and individuals to work out the value of claims and give expert determination in complex financial issues.

Prior to joining the firm, McLaren was a senior forensic accountant at Haines Watts (Forensics) Scotland and he has also worked as a manager with AFS Forensics and RSM Bentley Jennison.

Also taking up a new challenge is Grant Donald, whom HSBC has appointed as a business specialist in the bank's Inverness branch.

Donald, who hails from the city and brings with him 20 years of banking know-how, will work with start-up companies and existing businesses that turn over up to 500,000 annually. In its first year in Inverness, HSBC has attracted 100 business customers.

Lending stalwart Scottish Building Society is also strengthening its team, with the appointment of David Richardson as area manager for the west of Scotland.

Chief executive Gerry Kay reports that the society is going from strength to strength. He praised Richardson's "extensive operational experience across the financial sector".

Nucleus wraps up signing of Standard Life 'veteran'

NUCLEUS founder David Ferguson has continued to build his "wrap" platform business for IFAs by "poaching" Standard Life veteran Aileen Mathieson, pictured, as his chief financial officer. She will replace former financial chief Neil Howitt, who switched to being a consultant to the firm in November.

Nucleus's "wrap" platform allows independent financial advisers to see and control all of a client's investments within a single programme.

Mathieson, a chartered accountant, was chief operating officer at Standard Life Savings (UK Platforms), having previously been head of business performance and finance change at Standard Life Investments. Ferguson says: "To have been able to attract someone of her calibre is not only a huge endorsement for what has been achieved at Nucleus but an indication of the size of the opportunity that lies ahead."

GOOD DAY

Andrew Atkins

CHARLES Stanley has appointed Andrew Atkins as head of new fund sales and distribution. Atkins, previously of Lloyd George Asset Management, will be in charge of distributing the entire Charles Stanley fund range including the new "value" boutique Matterley, which the firm bought last year. He described the move as an "exciting opportunity".

BAD DAY

Steve Jobs

THE Apple boss may not be in the best of moods this weekend after camera maker Kodak said it would sue the company and BlackBerry maker Research In Motion over technology used in their handsets.

Kodak is alleging that the iPhone and BlackBerry use technology for previewing pictures that infringe its patents.