Profile on... Tracy Christian, Head of Client Services
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Q: Tell us a little about your background
A: I joined the bank in its early
Flemings days in 1997 as senior banking administrator. I was drawn
to the small, intimate nature of the bank, as I had been working
for a major international bank and I felt they had grown too big
and had subsequently lost the personal element of their service.
After just three years with Flemings, I changed role to lead a team
to set-up the client services centre, as there wasn't one at the
time and all inbound calls were handled by members of the banking
team. There was a clear requirement for a client services centre,
to better service our clients' needs. The centre was, and continues
to be, fundamental in the bank's vision of creating a centre of
excellence.
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Q: What do you enjoy most
about working at Fairbairn Private Bank?
A: The culture and people make it a pleasure to come in to
work everyday. The bank, and the people who work here, really do
practice what they preach and the client comes first in everything
we do. I get huge job satisfaction from working here. Also, it's a
great place to be if you want to develop and grow, because you'll
be supported all the way.
Q: What are your goals / aims in the short-term?
A: Since returning from maternity leave in August, I feel
I've returned with a fresh outlook and renewed vigour! The economic
crisis took hold during my leave and now I'm back I can see the
impact it has had on our clients, many of whom are downbeat about
the events over the last 18 months. It's been tough times for
everyone and the bank is very sympathetic to that. I'm keen to add
my enthusiasm to the team and help clients to find an investment
home for their low yielding cash assets.
Q: As head of client services, you've got your ear to
the ground. What are clients asking about?
A: At the moment, the client services centre is receiving
a lot of questions about the bank's security and stability. Clients
want to know their money is safe with us and we assure them this is
the case. The bank's operations are based in established and
reputable banking centres. We operate as a secure bank (holding a
Moody's independent credit rating of A3/P2) and have remained
untouched by the toxic assets that lay at the centre of the recent
credit crunch. Also, depending on where the client's account is
held, they may also be covered by the Isle of Man, Jersey or
UK Compensation Schemes.
Q: Your top tip?
A: Never trust a man with a homemade bow tie.
Education: A levels in Business Studies and
English Language (1989).
Career: 1990 - 1997 - Barclays; 1997 -
Joined Flemings, now Fairbairn Private Bank.
Likes: Sparkle - everything should be bling!
Dislikes: Wind and rain (so I don't
understand why I still live on the Isle of
Man!)
Dream job: Interior Designer or, if I couldn't do
that, I'd be quite happy as a painter & decorator.
If you weren't here now, what would you be doing?
Looking after my baby boy and decorating my new home.