SAS, the financial software provider, has strengthened its risk division in the UK with the appointment of Barclays Bank's former head of fraud operations - as it targets financial institutions rushing to comply with Basel II regulations.

Tony Thomas has joined the technology firm as principle fraud consultant. He will advise on the development of SAS's risk systems which target the financial services industry. At Barclays he headed the central fraud operations division, where he managed the operation, policy and strategy for prevention of fraud against the bank.