Redefining what exceptional looks like

Edward joined the leadership team of Belasko in 2023, having been closely involved in the business since 2020 as an Investor and Client.

He has more than 19 years of experience within Private Equity, Private Credit and Real Estate in a range of leadership roles across investment and operations.

He joins with an extensive track record in building high performing teams across multi-jurisdictional platforms and deploying innovative technology to address complex client requirements.

Edward is based in London and divides his time across Belasko’s strategic locations (Guernsey, Jersey, UK and Luxembourg).

Paul Nayar joined Belasko as Chief Financial & Operations Officer in January 2025, bringing over 30 years’ experience in the international finance industry.

Paul has held senior leadership roles, including Group CFO at Crestbridge Group, where he led financial strategies driving significant growth and institutional investment. His career spans roles at PwC, RBSI International, Santander and Zedra showcasing his expertise in multi-jurisdictional operations for regulated funds, private client, corporate services and private banking businesses.

Based in Jersey, Paul is passionate about fostering innovation and operational excellence to support Belasko’s growth and client service goals. Outside work, he enjoys family time, sea swimming, racketball and hiking.

Costa Barakos is Chief Operating Officer at Belasko, responsible for leading the Group’s operational strategy and supporting its ongoing expansion across core jurisdictions. Based in London, Costa oversees operational excellence, scalability, and the integration of AI and automation-led capabilities.

Costa brings more than 18 years of international experience across financial services, including senior roles in banking, asset management, and strategic transformation. He previously played a key role in the operational transformation of Hamburg Commercial Bank, a Cerberus portfolio company, and was a member of Cerberus’s Value Creation Team. Earlier in his career, he held senior positions within a global investment bank and a leading strategy consultancy, delivering large-scale change and performance-improvement programmes for financial institutions.

Alex Di Santo joined Belasko in February 2026 as Group Head of Institutional, based in Jersey.

Alex brings over 20 years’ experience in private capital fund administration and senior leadership roles across the private equity space. He brings deep expertise in private equity and private debt, having worked with managers ranging from first-time funds to global platforms across multiple jurisdictions.

At Belasko, he leads the institutional commercial strategy, with responsibility for driving revenue growth, strengthening client relationships and expanding the firm’s market presence, overseeing sales, marketing and business development. Alex also serves on the Board and Executive Committee, contributing to the Group’s strategic direction.

Mark started his career as a Chartered Accountant at Arthur Andersen and subsequently Deloitte before a 15 year career at Deutsche Bank working in Jersey, London, Mauritius, Japan and Hong Kong culminating in running the capital markets securities services business for the bank in Asia Pacific. Mark then joined Sanne plc rising to Chief Commercial Officer before joining as Chief Strategy Officer and later becoming CEO of an EdTech and media business driving its value to >$1bn with recognition in the GSV Edtech 150.

He returned to Jersey in 2023 and is a school governor, a non-executive director at Jersey Finance Limited and a volunteer listener at Samaritans.

Wade has over 40 years’ experience across natural resources, transport, logistics, and financial services, beginning his career by scaling a group of UK family companies that he sold in 1996.

He has held senior executive and non-executive roles in the UK, South Africa, Guernsey, and the United States, advising and serving on boards and funds across multiple asset classes and jurisdictions. His work spans Europe, Central Asia, China, Africa, and the USA, combining hands-on operational experience with governance and strategy.

With decades of private equity experience, his focus includes pre-IPO and IPO transactions, corporate governance, and risk. In his free time, Wade enjoys classic cars, golf, skiing, and travel.