Santander Bank announced the formation of its direct private investment practice and has named industry expert Michael Anthony to head the group. The practice connects Santander’s Commercial Banking customers with potential family office partners who are able to provide non-traditional liquidity and alternative capital solutions through direct private investments.

Anthony, who brings over 20 years of experience in alternative investments and family office consulting, is based in Boston and reports to Robert Rubino, Santander Bank’s Co-President and head of Commercial Banking.

“The addition of our direct private investment practice to our suite of Commercial Banking offerings builds on our commitment to bring valuable ideas and execution capabilities to our clients,” Rubino said. “Michael’s extensive direct investment experience and diverse industry knowledge make him the ideal candidate to lead this new business that differentiates us from our peers and matches Santander’s customers seeking capital with private investors.”

Prior to joining Santander, Anthony served as the Director and global head of the family office practice group at Citizens Bank where he cultivated and maintained relationships with new and existing clients in the bank’s capital markets business. He worked at Bank of New York Mellon (BNY Mellon) as a Vice President, Alternative Product Manager and as a Relationship Manager serving the financial needs of alternative fund clients. Prior to BNY Mellon, Anthony was a member of the American Stock Exchange as an Independent Derivatives Market Maker. He also is a Founding Member and Managing Director at Boston Family Office Consultants, a firm started by industry professionals that connects single family offices with alternative investment opportunities.

He earned a B.S. in finance from the University of Connecticut, Storrs and holds FINRA Series 63 and 79 licenses.