EY has boosted its tech and fintech practice after hiring Wragge Lawrence Graham & Co co-chair of technology Richard Goold as a partner within its legal services business.

Goold has worked in tech and fintech markets for over 10 years and has advised companies and investors across Europe and the US. Before leading Wragges’ technology division he worked as the head of the firm’s US sales team.

EY head of legal services Philip Goodstone said: “Our ambition has always been to grow our UK legal services practice around some of the key sectors where EY already has a wealth of experience. Richard’s appointment marks a key step towards achieving this strategy.”

Goodstone joined EY in 2014 to launch the accountancy firm’s legal offering in the UK and Ireland. He was recruited from Addleshaw Goddard where he worked as corporate managing partner.

The big four accountancy firm was granted an ABS licence shortly after Goodstone’s arrival. The move saw EY follow in the footsteps of rival firms PricewaterhouseCoopers and KPMG, which both gained ABS licences 12 months before EY.

Since then EY has also hired ex-BLP finance head Matthew Kellett to launch its UK financial services team. The firm is also set to significantly grow its Manchester offering when former Addleshaws managing partner Paul Devitt and corporate partner Richard Thomas join on 1 June.