Profile on... Martin Ibanez
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Q: How did you come to be at Fairbairn Private
Bank?
A: I joined the bank back in 1988, working alongside
12 other people when the bank was called Flemings and occupied
rather humble premises in Douglas. Now I'm working alongside 123
other people in new offices enjoying sea views - the bank has
expanded to say the least!
I started in a banking administrative position and after four
years moved in to treasury where I stayed until 2001. Since then I
have been working in personal and private banking.
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This year is my 21st
year at the bank and I don't think I would have stayed here for so
long if I didn't enjoy working here as much as I do. The team here
are all of a high calibre and there is a great camaraderie amongst
us all. The bank has a good reputation for integrity and quality of
service, and I am proud to be associated with that.
Q: What do you enjoy most
about being a private banker?
A: The relationship that I have with my clients. Some of my clients
have been with me for many years: developing from a transactional
relationship when I worked in banking administration to becoming a
trusted advisor to them. This kind of relationship is very
rewarding and I consider many of them friends as well as
clients.
Q: What are your goals/aims in the short-term?
A: To raise the profile of the bank in the NorthWest
of England, mainly Manchester and Leeds, through face to face
meetings with professional intermediaries, such as solicitors and
accountants. For anyone who's not heard of us before, we often come
as a surprise, especially in respect of the awards we have won.
These include a recent award win at this year's International
Investment Fund and Product awards for Best International Wealth
Manager and an impressive ranking of 15th in the 2009 Sunday Times
100 Best Small Companies to Work For.
Q: Is there anything that your clients are particularly
interested in at the moment?
A: In the current low interest rate environment and
volatile markets, capital preservation is key. Clients are looking
for a safe pair of hands. There is a general understanding that
this is a short-term situation and that the storm will eventually
pass. Until then, most clients prefer a bank that
will manage their money conservatively and with low risk,
rather than one which tries to make quick returns with high levels
of risk.
Q: Your top tip?
A: Liverpool to win the premiership (maybe not this season, but
surely they have to win it some time?!)
Education: ACIB (Associate Chartered Institute
of Bankers) BSc (Hons) gained at University of Manchester in
2003.
Career: From school worked at RBS for two years in
an administrative role - Been at Fairbairn Private Bank ever
since!
Likes: Spending time with my children.
Dislikes: Insincerity.
Life ambition: To speak Spanish fluently.
If you weren't here now, what would you be doing?
Sadly, clearing out my garage as it's a total mess!