New London branch for Fairbairn Private Bank
Fairbairn Private Bank announced on 15
September 2008 that it is to be the first British offshore island
bank to be granted a banking and investment licence by the UK's
Financial Services Authority (FSA).
This landmark move for Fairbairn Private Bank,
which has offices in the Isle of Man, Jersey and South Africa, is
the first example of a British offshore bank opening its doors to
clients in London.
The bank's full range of award winning
products and services will now be available to account holders
throughout the UK.
This latest expansion coincides with the
bank's 21st year of operation. Since 2001 the bank has amassed 37
awards, ranging from internationally recognised Product and Service
awards and the "Investors in People" standard, to UK Best Business
Accreditations. Significantly, Fairbairn Private Bank is the only
British offshore Island business to have received a UK National
Training Award.
At number 42, Fairbairn Private Bank is the
only company to have continually moved up the ratings in the Sunday
Times "Best 100 Small Companies To Work For" for each of the past 4
years. It is also the only British offshore Island financial
services organisation to be featured in the highly coveted
listing.
Most recently Fairbairn Private Bank was
awarded the titles of "Best International Private Bank Group" and
"Best International Wrap Provider" by an independent panel of
industry experts at the International Investment Fund & Product
Awards 2008.
Greg Horton, Fairbairn Private Bank's managing
director, commented: "We are very excited about our launch into the
UK market place and look forward to fulfilling the needs of our
future clients there. We believe our innovative international
offering will be attractive to the growing number of UK based high
net worth individuals and allow us to succeed in what is a highly
competitive market. Our continued growth provides further
employment opportunities across the business, including a
substantial increase in staff during 2008, over half of which will
be located within our offshore Island offices".
Geoff Cook, Chief Executive of Jersey Finance,
commented: "Fairbairn Private Bank are a dynamic and forward
thinking bank, this is evident in the numerous accolades they have
received for their products and services. The expansion plans of
Fairbairn Private Bank demonstrates that Jersey is a great
jurisdiction from within which to grow and we wish them well in
their venture. Our recent research, known as the Jersey Finance
Strategy Project - Future of Finance 2015, identified the need for
further promotion of Jersey in financial jurisdictions, such as
London, and the bank's imminent launch there will assist in raising
the profile of the island".
Isle of Man Treasury Minister, Hon. Allan
Bell, MHK, commented: "Fairbairn Private Bank has contributed
enormously to the Isle of Man's thriving financial services sector
over the years, providing a model for excellence in private
banking".
"As a result we are very proud to see this
Isle of Man success story expand its services onshore, particularly
to the well-established global financial centre of London. It is a
momentous move which benefits the local community by providing
employment opportunities on-Island, as well as giving us the chance
to share our business expertise with the UK market and develop our
close links and economic contribution to the City of London".
"This landmark enterprise provides further
proof of the strength of our financial services industry and
reinforces the Isle of Man's position as a world leading
international finance centre".
To mark the launch of our London office, Greg
answers some of the possible questions you may have on this latest
exciting development. The question and answers can be viewed
online.