Ward joins Clayton from Home Funding, which he has led since 2006, while he will take up his new role from April.
Joe D’Urso, President of Clayton Holdings LLC, said: “His breadth of experience, in-depth knowledge of the mortgage and financial risk world and strong personal profile make him the ideal figure to drive the business forward and really seize opportunities.
“Clayton has entered a new phase having been acquired by Radian Group last year. Our goal is to expand and develop the business, its range of products and services globally.
“Clayton Euro Risk and the Europe market will play a vital role in achieving that ambition, hence Tony’s appointment. It is our intention to build on what is already a market-leading platform.”
On Michael Bolton, who was chief executive of the now defunct subprime lender Edeus from 2006 to 2009, D’Urso added: “We’re sorry to see Michael depart and wish him all the best for the future.
"Clayton Euro Risk has proven to be a very successful business and Michael leaves it in good shape as we move forward.”
In a career spanning 40 years Ward has also been founder of Kleinwort Benson’s origination and securitisation business Mortgage Funding Corporation, chairman of the Intermediary Mortgage Lenders Association and deputy chairman of the Council of Mortgage Lenders.
He said: “I am thrilled to join the business and am looking to building on its capabilities. Right now, I see plenty of scope for developing new risk solutions to banks and other lenders, investors and government authorities across Europe.
“Clayton Euro Risk has a committed and highly-skilled team based in Bristol, many of whom I already know well.
“I’m particularly pleased to be working again with Teresa Gallagher as chief operating pfficer. Teresa and I worked together at Home Funding. She is well-respected by the industry and provides a strong note of continuity to the senior team.”
