Mark was previously a researcher for Orthogonal Partners, where he was responsible for researching new investment opportunities across a broad range of esoteric investments opportunities, as well as monitoring current investments.  During this time he completed the Investment Management Certificate.

Prior to that Mark was a researcher for one of the largest UK family offices, supporting the chairman across a range of family interests.

Mark holds a MSc in Corporate and International Finance from Durham University and a BSc in Rural and Environmental Economics from Newcastle University.

Mark is the Head of Research for MICAP, responsible for managing MICAP’s team of analysts and providing oversight on MICAP Reviews, MICAP Data, MICAP Impact Scores and MICAP Panel Support Services.

Sam studied Business and Property Management at the University of the West of England in Bristol.

After starting his career as a futures trader in the City of London, Sam moved to Shanghai in 2008 to work in wealth management. This led to Sam spending four years as a Business Development Manager with St James’s Place in Asia. After relocating back to London, Sam joined MICAP.

Sam is responsible for building and maintaining MICAP’s community of financial advisers.

Van joined the MICAP team in 2017. Some of Van’s responsibilities include the management and the maintenance of MICAP’s database and data integrity, overseeing the development of new platform features, and building tools that allow MICAP to process and utilise its data.

Van holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computing and is a certified Microsoft Excel Expert.

Harry holds a degree in American History from Swansea University, which included a year abroad at the University of Kansas. This academic experience provided him with a strong foundation in research, analysis, and critical thinking. After completing his studies, Harry initially pursued a career as an Estate Agent, gaining experience in client relations, property management, and the real estate market.

Seeking to broaden his skillset, Harry transitioned into corporate accounting, where he undertook training as a corporate accountant. He joined WSM Partners LLP, where he honed his expertise in auditing, financial analysis, and regulatory compliance, working with a diverse range of clients.

In 2018, Harry joined MICAP as an Investment Analyst and Panel Consultant, where he played a vital role in the development and production of MICAP Reviews. His responsibilities also included overseeing the delivery of the Panel Support Services proposition to clients, ensuring high levels of service and tailored solutions to meet the needs of their panel clients, while delivering comprehensive insights and strategic recommendations to help clients make informed, data-driven decisions.

Following the acquisition of MICAP by Defaqto in 2023, Harry continues to serve in his capacity as Investment Analyst and Panel Consultant, now as part of the broader Defaqto team. In his current role, he continues to leverage his experience in investment analysis, research and client services to support the wider Defaqto business.

Prashant Trivedi holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Brighton University, which provided him with a strong foundation in quantitative analysis, complex problem-solving, and systems thinking. These skills translate directly into his investment research and analytical work, enabling him to assess fund performance, risk metrics, and strategic alignment.

He began his career at Murano as an Investor Analyst, where he was responsible for aligning institutional investors with fund managers by analysing their investment mandates and objectives.

In 2022, he joined MICAP as an Investment Analyst, taking responsibility for the production of MICAP Reviews – detailed due diligence reports that offer clients actionable, data-driven insights.

Following MICAP’s acquisition by Defaqto in 2023, Prashant continues in his role as part of the wider Defaqto team, where he applies his experience in investment analysis, research, and client engagement to support the firm’s broader objectives. He has passed Level I of the CFA Program and is a Level II candidate.

Daniela holds a BSc in Financial Economics from City, University of London and is fluent in English, Ukrainian, Hungarian, and Russian. She began her career at MICAP as a Junior Investment Analyst, where she developed a strong foundation in investment research and due diligence. Her degree has provided her with a solid understanding of financial markets and quantitative analysis, which she applies daily to assess fund performance and support investment decisions.

In 2023, following MICAP’s acquisition by Defaqto, Daniela became an Investment Analyst, where she writes MICAP Reviews on tax-advantaged products, offering detailed, data-driven insights to support adviser recommendations and investment suitability. In 2025, Daniela also began working on the MICAP Panel, contributing her analysis to shape panel decisions and ensure the quality of investment selections. As part of the broader Defaqto team, she also supports the production of Defaqto fund reviews and risk rating processes.

Daniela is currently working towards the CISI Level 4 Investment Advice Diploma, having passed the UK Regulation & Professional Integrity section and is now studying Investment Risk & Taxation.

Jay has worked as a developer since he graduated with a degree in Engineering and Information Technology. He then worked as a software engineer for a number of years before being the founder and CTO for a web development company based in India.

As a full stack developer, Jay is responsible for maintaining and improving MICAP’s platform.

Mike qualified as a Chartered Tax Advisor in 2003 and has over 23 years experience in the profession advising on various aspects of taxation.

Following his training with Smith & Williamson, he spent four years working in a tax team at a private bank. In 2011, Mike set up his own consultancy practice focused on both the practical and technical aspects of HMRC’s Venture Capital Schemes (primarily the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) and Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS)), an area he had gained a vast amount of experience in whilst working in his previous commercial and technical roles.

Mike is a member of The Chartered Institute of Taxation and Fellow of the Association of Taxation Technicians.

Mike works for MICAP on a consultancy basis, moderating MICAP Reviews and otherwise ensuring that MICAP is up to date with all relevant HMRC guidelines and legislation.