Profile on… Beckie Williams, Senior Private Banker
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1. Title aside, what do you actually do?
I look after a small portfolio of private clients. No two days
are the same, but I enjoy the variety of the role. As a
wealth manager, I aim to be my clients "trusted adviser",
which means I aim to provide them with advice and guidance on all
aspects of their financial planning. In addition, I also manage our
team of relationship managers in the Isle of Man office.
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2. Why did you choose a career in private
banking?
Private banking is all about building relationships with
clients. I love the fact that I have the time to devote to my
clients, and the ability to provide them with a bespoke
personalised service. I particularly enjoy being able to work
across the full spectrum of financial services and help develop
innovative solutions to assist client's individual financial
requirements. While other banks have set products, we
don't. Instead we get to know the clients and offer tailored
solutions and this is the aspect of the job that I love.
3. What do you think are the key issues affecting
investments at the current time?
Recent market volatility has highlighted the need to hold a well
diversified, multi-asset class portfolio. People are understandably
nervous about investing in stock markets; however, it seems that
interest rates in the UK and USA will remain at historically low
levels for a protracted period. Currently holding cash not
only provides little or no return, but will not protect
against inflation. It is more important than ever to hold a
properly diversified portfolio, with exposure to a wide range of
asset classes, which is designed to provide risk-adjusted returns
over the long-term.
4. What is your key challenge work wise?
In an ever changing financial climate, I have to be flexible and
able to react quickly. The culture of the bank, and of everyone who
works here, puts the client at the centre of our business, which
means there is a strong commitment from everyone to provide
excellent client service. This means we take a proactive approach
to our clients' needs rather than waiting for them to come to us.
On any particular day I might be contacting clients to discuss
market movements, or how fluctuations in exchange rates might
affect their investment or lending positions. Clients might also
have some specific banking or investment requirements that need to
be addressed. My role is hugely varied, and while this is a
challenge, it is also interesting and enjoyable.
5. How do you manage to juggle work with family
commitments?
I am married with two teenage sons so it is sometimes difficult
to balance my work and family commitments. Time with them is
crucial so I have to be able to work flexible hours; thankfully,
the culture at Fairbairn Private Bank is very much
give-and-take. It is a fabulous employer, which supports me
in both my working and personal life.
6. What motivates you?
Having a job that presents new challenges everyday, being part
of a great, committed team and working for a bank that has a strong
work ethic and high business morals.
7. What is the best piece of advice ever given to
you?
Never let the sun set on an argument.
8. Outside of work, what achievements are you most proud
of?
As a complete couch potato, I decided to take part in the Parish
Walk a couple of years ago, with a goal to reach Peel within a
certain time and I surprised myself by completing it. This
was a great personal accomplishment that I never thought I would or
could achieve.
9. Complete the sentence: I couldn't live
without...... my family, my friends, and a large glass of red
wine!