La Trobe appoints VP Treasury and Settlement Services as one of three senior banking hires

La Trobe Financial has appointed David Bleakley as vice president treasury and settlement services.

Bleakley, a banking industry veteran, was most recently the New-York based chief risk officer, North America for ANZ banking group.

Originally from New York, he commenced his career with Standard & Poor's and worked across the firm's "Municipal Bond, Financial Institutes and Structured Finance Rating Department," La Trobe said. Following this, he worked with National Australia Bank as head of asset-backed securities and structured credit operations in Melbourne.

Commenting on his appointment, La Trobe CEO Greg O'Neill said: "We are delighted to have David join us. His solid credit and capital markets experience will play an important role as we grow and we very much look forward to supporting him in his leadership as we expand our operations."

Bleakley added: "I'm genuinely excited by our prospects and the genuine point of difference La Trobe Financial bring to market, the opportunity set is very large indeed."

Also joining the team is Rick Drury, a former NAB GM of planning & performance, in the role of senior executive, chief lending officer, commercial; and Annie Sestito, former Westpac head of strategic partnerships and alliances, in the role of senior executive, head of people, PR and marketing.

La Trobe said it will be making further announcements shortly.