Profile on... James Martin-Davis, Private Banker
Q: How did you come to be
at Fairbairn Private Bank?
A: This may come as a surprise but prior to joining
Fairbairn Private Bank I was working as a countryside ranger with
the National Trust for Jersey until I decided that this type of
work was just a little too dangerous! I had several close calls
with off road vehicles, tree related dangers and swirling
fires.
I was very picky with regards to the type of institution I wanted
to join. In essence, I wanted to work for a company that holds its
clients in high regard - a 'client is king' attitude. I realised
very quickly during my first interview with Fairbairn Private Bank
that this was a company who did just that. Having just completed my
first couple of months, I can honestly say that this first
impression was accurate and I am, frankly, extremely
impressed. |
Q: So how
did you find the transition from a countryside ranger to a private
banker?
A: My background is predominantly investment related so it
all came flooding back! To paraphrase, it's like riding a bike -
you never forget! I started out with HSBC in Jersey in 2001 and
gained the Financial Planning Certificate (FPC) in the same year. I
then moved on to HBOS in 2004. It was after a year as a countryside
ranger that the world of finance beckoned again and I found myself
at Fairbairn Private Bank.
Q: What are your goals/aims at Fairbairn Private
Bank?
A: I have several aims that I hope to achieve at Fairbairn
Private Bank but I specifically want to increase the bank's profile
amongst intermediaries and third parties. Through my contact with
law firms, IFA's and accountants, it has become evident that the
majority are not happy with some of the transaction-led business
practices used in the financial services industry and are very
receptive to a bank that takes the brave move to concentrate on
high service levels, honest business practice and transparency. One
could say that the traditional banking behaviour, which Fairbairn
Private Bank exhibits on a day-to-day basis, is the paramount
reason why the bank's name is held in such high regard amongst
businesses that have had dealings with the bank.
Q: Is there anything that your clients are particularly
interested in at the moment?
A: Given the current turbulent times, the most important
objective that we as a company have to achieve, and what clients
are desperate to find, is to provide a secure environment in which
to house its clients' monies. The wonderful thing about Fairbairn
Private Bank is that it is extremely well managed and
conservatively run by the senior management team. The bank will
continue to maintain its very low risk profile, financial strength
and extremely high levels of liquidity.
Q: Your top tip
A: The way to gain a good reputation is to endeavour to be
what you desire to appear.
Education: Undergraduate
Career: Admin assistant at the UK Department for
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs - While at University I took
multiple jobs from bar tending to telesales - While backpacking for
2 years after University I took multiple jobs from telesales to
fishing trawler man - IFA at HSBC International - Private Client
Manager at HBOS - Ranger for National Trust for Jersey - Private
Banker at Fairbairn Private Bank
Likes: Travelling
Dislikes: Mosquitoes
Life ambition: To walk the Appalachian Trail in
Eastern USA.
If you weren't here now, what would you be doing?
Planning a trip to Mongolia.