Danske Bank UK is the biggest bank in Northern Ireland, serving both personal and business customers, and operating 40 branches and 3 business centres.

During his executive career Mr Stewart held senior positions at the Bank of England Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) and the Financial Services Authority (FSA). He was a key influencer of global financial services policy development post the financial crisis and while at the PRA his remit included being the lead regulator overseeing Northern Irish banks, building societies and credit unions.

He has almost two decades’ board-level experience as an executive, non-executive, advisor and regulator, which include having also been Managing Director of a group of European subsidiary companies.

Gerald Gregory, Chair of Northern Bank Ltd, said: “I am delighted to announce Martin’s appointment as non-executive director. He has been a well-known and respected figure in the UK financial services sector for many years, and brings with him a wealth of experience.”

Martin Stewart said: “I look forward to working with my Board colleagues and the local senior management team in Belfast at a time of great political and economic change. Banks face a rising number of regulatory and cost challenges, and the sector is increasingly competitive. Danske Bank UK is a bank that has a strong position in its market and which I believe is well positioned to continue to perform well, benefiting its customers, shareholders and the society it serves.”