Profile on... Julia Warrander, Private Banker
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Q: How did you come to be at Fairbairn Private
Bank?
A: After a six year "sabbatical" from banking,
having previously worked in investment banking, I have more
recently studied landscape design, had two children, taught Pilates
and, most recently, worked in consulting in Italy. The decision to
return to the industry was not taken lightly and, in addition, the
world of finance in 2008 was a very different place from the bull
market in bonds I had left behind back in 2002.
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The choice to move into private
banking was a considered one - I felt the sector offered long-term
growth potential and was less aggressive to work in than investment
banking. In addition, the opportunity to leverage my international
experience, having lived in Asia, America and Europe and to focus
on all asset classes, rather than just fixed income, was a very
attractive one.
I have been visiting Jersey for the past 39
years and during my somewhat nomadic life, it has always been a
home-away-from-home. In addition, its small size means for short
commutes, offering the possibility of maintaining a good work-life
balance, which is a priority for me. I interviewed with a number of
institutions, all very different from one another and each offering
interesting and challenging roles, however, Fairbairn Private Bank
stood out from the rest. The quality of the interview process, the
focus on long-term client relationships (as opposed to products)
and, above all, the flat hierarchy and friendly work atmosphere
serve to set the bank apart from the others.
Q: So how did you find the transition
from your previous positions to a private banker?
A: The main differences between life in private banking, versus
institutional sales, are derived from the fact that you are dealing
with an individual's wealth, as opposed to a company's, investment
manager's or commercial/central bank's funds. Private clients are
not always as knowledgeable of products and solutions and it is
vital to consider their long-term financial needs. As a
consequence, the relationship is much more personal, often
multi-dimensional and trust is paramount. So far I am thoroughly
enjoying the experience.
Q: What are your goals/aims at
Fairbairn Private Bank?
A: To be the go-to person, within the company, for fixed income and
money market expertise and provide clients seeking advisory
services in these areas with the appropriate advice and
recommendations.
To maximise the use of technology in delivering a first class
service to our clients, driving future enhancements to our
award-winning Focus platform, and utilising our CRM software to its
full capacity.
Q: Is there anything that your
clients are particularly interested in at the
moment?
A: Both existing and potential clients are becoming increasingly
discerning with respect to whom they bank with and the kind of
service offered by their private bank. Those who have suffered
capital losses in 2008 now seek integrity and trusted advice from a
bank that genuinely puts their needs first. Fairbairn Private
Bank's focus on the client, transparent nature, conservative
business philosophy and long-term perspective positions the bank
well, in order to meet and hopefully exceed clients'
expectations.
On a more personal note, with bonds back in vogue, my fixed
income background is proving quite valuable. A significant number
of clients are allocating money out of cash, equities or government
debt into investment grade corporate bond funds, with some
investors even choosing to purchase individual bond issues
outright. The rationale for investing in the credit markets is more
compelling than it has been in years, as the asset class offers
significantly more attractive returns versus cash, with a lower
risk profile than equities.
Q: Your top
tip?
A: If planning a vacation in Italy, give Umbria and Tuscany a miss
and instead head to Piedmont: the home of fabulous red wines (eg,
Barolo), white truffles and the chocolate shops of Turin.
Surrounded by the Alps on three sides and with rolling vineyards to
the south, the region is very definitely worth a visit.
Education: Oxford University
graduate (1990) BA (Hons) / MA in Geography. Diploma (Hons) in
Garden Design from the KLC School of Design, London (2003)
Career: Citibank: Relationship
Management-Financial Institutions Group -- Deutsche Bank: Senior
Dealer, Money Market Sales and Trading -- Goldman Sachs: Executive
Director, Money Market Sales; Vice President, Head of Fixed Income
Emerging Market Sales Asia; Vice President, Global Head of Fixed
Income eCommerce Marketing -- Landscape & Garden Designer --
Independent Marketing & Business Strategy Consultant
Likes: Skiing, good wine, new adventures, the
company of friends and family, laughter
Dislikes: Anchovies, office politics, false
promises, arrogance
Life ambition: To watch my children grow up happy
and healthy
If you weren't here now, what would you be doing?
Enjoying a glass of Barolo, having spent the day on the slopes of
Mont Blanc.