Barclays Wealth has hired a new head for its ultra-high net worth unit as private banks sharpen their focus on wooing the limited pool of mega-wealthy clients who have at least $25m in liquid assets.

Solomon Soquar will join as managing director, head of the strategic solutions group, reporting to Stefanie Drews, head of the bank's ultra-high net worth business for the UK, Europe, the Middle East and Africa.