Profile on... Andrew Robins, private banker
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Title aside, what do you actually do?
I look after a small portfolio of private client and intermediary
relationships from our Jersey office and, as their wealth manager,
I aim to provide them with advice and guidance on all aspects of
their financial planning.
My primary focus is on business development and exploring new
opportunities for the bank. I am currently revisiting some of our
historic relationships to learn about their current needs from
their wealth manager and see if we can assist in this.
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Why did you choose a career in private
banking?
My roots are in banking, having started my career with Barclays
where I gained a broad knowledge of both domestic and international
banking during my time there and later worked in both corporate
lending and as a foreign exchange dealer. I joined Royal Bank
of Canada Global Private Banking as a private banker when an
opportunity arose there ten years ago. I then progressed to work as
an investment consultant providing investment advice directly to
trustees and private clients. I worked closely with clients
and enjoyed getting to know them and working with them.
Private banking is all about building relationships with clients
and assisting clients in finding financial solutions for them is
what I enjoy the most.
What do you think are the key considerations affecting
investments at the current time?
Now more than ever, it is important to take the time to fully
understand clients' investment requirements and also their
expectations. For example, are they looking for a regular source of
income or a return better than the current interest rates?
Investments are unpredictable at the best of times so clients
should understand how their money is going to be invested and,
ultimately, what they can expect at the end of the investment term.
Taking time to understand and manage clients' expectations is vital
to ensure that they know what their anticipated return profile will
look like and the volatility associated with their investments.
The bank's investment approach is a conservative one and asset
allocations are made as markets evolve. It is more important than
ever to hold a fully diversified portfolio, with exposure to a wide
range of asset classes, which is designed to provide risk-adjusted
returns over the long-term.
What is your key-challenge work wise?
To successfully communicate how we can help meet the very different
needs of so many private clients and intermediaries. I believe
private banks can be misunderstood, there's often a feeling that
private banks are too selective and niche. I relish the opportunity
to tell people our story and help them to understand the broad
range of our services.
What motivates you?
Doing a good job for the client. It is rewarding to watch new
relationships evolve to the point where I become the client's
trusted adviser and they contact me to talk through their changes
in circumstances.
What is the best piece of advice ever given to
you?
If you don't know the right answer, don't try to answer! It's
better to come back to the client later with the right information
rather than risk giving the wrong information just for the sake of
giving an answer.
Outside of work, what achievements are you most proud
of?
Through my work as a local football coach I am extremely proud of
achieving a league and cup double with a young team. I helped to
develop the players, by passing on the experience and knowledge I
gained through my working towards and achieving the Football
Association Coaching Badge.
Complete the sentence: I couldn't live
without...... my family, friends and the thought of a return trip
to the Maldives for some pure relaxation!!