Our history
The history of Unsworth & Associates stretches from 1979 until the present day…
1979
Founder moves to the Netherlands
Jim Unsworth moves to the Netherlands at the invitation of his employer, a Canadian building materials & financial services conglomerate, to establish a Dutch holding company for the purposes of holding U.S. investments of the Canadian parent company.
1988
Operations established on the Herengracht
The office at Herengracht 483 will serve some of Canada’s largest and most prestigious companies and pension funds over the next 30 years.
1991
Current Principal moves to the Netherlands
Brad Unsworth arrives in the Netherlands and tells his wife that it will be for “just one year and then we’ll go back to Canada…”
December 1992
Incorporation
A management services company, JMB International B.V., was incorporated to provide substance operations, initially, to Canadian corporate clients.
August 1993
Incorporation
Incorporation of U & A Liquidators N.V., a designated entity to handle the liquidation of Dutch entities.
July 1999
New business name
Unsworth & Associates B.V. incorporated, taking over the active business from JMB International B.V.
December 1999
Branching out
Luxembourg office opened followed by Geneva the next year (Geneva office closed in 2010).
April 2005
DNB license
U&A receives DNB license in Netherlands.
January 2010
CSSF license
U&A receives CSSF license in Luxembourg.
October 2016
Moving further along the canal
U&A moves to current office address at Herengracht 540, Amsterdam, next to the Waldorf Astoria hotel.
June 2018
Appointment of U&A Managing Director
Duncan Rennie is appointed as Managing Director of U&A. With a wealth of experience in finance, accounting, and business development, Duncan is well-equipped to lead the company into its next phase of growth. His proven track record in driving strategic business initiatives, combined with his deep financial acumen, positions him to effectively oversee operations and identify new opportunities for expansion. Duncan’s leadership is expected to enhance U&A’s financial performance and foster long-term success across all areas of the business.
January 2024
Sustainability services launched
Partnered with a software platform, we can evaluate double materiality for CSRD and CSDDD reporting standards. Initially supporting existing clients with their Sustainability reporting needs, now services are expanded to new clients with specific ESG requirements throughout Europe.
April 2024
Transfer Agent & Registrar License application process started in Luxembourg
Application to extend our existing PSF license to allow us to service Investment Funds in Luxembourg.
January 2025
Appointment of U&A Managing Director
Laetitia Martin is appointed as Managing Director of U&A. Laetitia brings a dynamic blend of leadership experience and strategic insight to the role, with a strong focus on driving innovation and operational excellence. With a background in managing high-performance teams and executing growth strategies, she is well-positioned to lead U&A through its next phase of development. Laetitia’s expertise in cultivating long-term business partnerships and optimizing operational efficiencies will be key in advancing the company’s vision and securing its competitive edge in the industry.
March 2025
Appointment of Country Head – Luxembourg
Willem Arnoud van Rooyen is appointed as Luxembourg’s Country Head and will take on full responsibility for operations, both Funds and Corporate, at Unsworth & Associates Sarl.
Apart from bringing a wealth of leadership experience in the funds industry, Willem has a strong business development pedigree and organisational skills that benefit the organisation.