What does your role involve, and how does it support financial advisers day-to-day?
My role centres on ensuring that advisers have the operational structure, technical support and strategic clarity they need to focus on what matters most, their clients. That ranges from improving processes and removing friction points, to supporting regulatory understanding and facilitating access to the right expertise at the right time. Day-to-day, it’s about making advisers’ lives easier, so they can deliver confident, high-quality advice efficiently.
What do you enjoy most about working with advisers?
I genuinely value the professionalism and integrity that characterises so many advisers. The regulatory environment is demanding, and advisers operate at a high technical standard. I enjoy the conversations that go beyond product discussions about good client outcomes, planning and long-term strategy. There’s a real commitment to doing the right thing.
What’s one thing advisers should know to get the most value from working with you?
Engage early and openly. The earlier we’re involved in a challenge or opportunity, the more effectively we can help shape a solution. I see our relationship as a partnership the more context we have about an adviser’s objectives, client and business ambitions, the more tailored and impactful our support can be.
What’s the best piece of professional advice you’ve ever received?
“Rome wasn’t built in a day.” Whilst a simple phrase, it’s one that has stayed with me throughout my career. In financial services, particularly within a complex and highly regulated environment, meaningful progress rarely happens overnight. Sustainable growth, strong adviser relationships and well-run operations are built deliberately, over time. This has reminded me to stay focused on long-term outcomes and to recognise that continuous, incremental improvement often delivers the most lasting impact.
What’s one thing you think will matter more to advisers in the next 12 months?
Operational efficiency alongside demonstrable client value. With regulatory scrutiny and cost pressures continuing to rise, advisers who can clearly show their value while running lean, well-structured businesses will be best placed to succeed. My focus is to ensure we consistently deliver an efficient, seamless service that makes life easier for advisers, freeing up their time to focus on what really matters, their clients.
What attracted you to financial services originally?
Having spent 15 years working in law supporting the financial services sector, I was keen to make the move into the industry directly, so I could play a more hands-on role in influencing performance and driving positive outcomes for clients. While my legal background gave me strong technical foundations, I wanted to be closer to the point where strategy, advice and client impact come together. Financial services isn’t just about numbers; it’s about helping individuals and families make confident, informed decisions about their future. That combination of analytical thinking, regulatory rigour and genuinely meaningful outcomes appealed to me from the outset and continues to do so today.
What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
Seeing advisers succeed; whether that’s growing their business, navigating a regulatory challenge with confidence, or delivering exceptional outcomes for their clients. Equally rewarding is seeing my team in action behind the scenes, knowing that our service and support play a real part in that success. It’s a reminder that the work we do, even out of the spotlight, makes a tangible difference.
What motivates you outside of targets and deadlines?
Innovation and continuous improvement. I’m a maximiser at heart, naturally curious about how things can work better, whether that’s a process, a relationship, or a strategy. I’m motivated by progress and by finding opportunities to take things from good to great, rather than just ticking boxes or meeting short-term targets.
What’s one thing your colleagues would say you’re known for?
Probably for being pragmatic and solution focused. I approach challenges calmly and constructively, and keep discussions focused on practical next steps.
If you weren’t in financial services, what would you be doing?
Unfortunately, my footballing days are well and truly behind me, so a professional sporting career is off the table, so I would likely have remained in law. My time working in the legal sector was both challenging and rewarding, and it gave me a strong foundation in analytical thinking and structured problem solving. That said, I’m pleased I made the move into financial services, where I’ve been able to combine that background with a more direct influence on business performance and client outcomes.
What’s one thing you’d like advisers reading this to remember about you?
Service comes first. I’m passionate about driving the delivery of excellent service and my role is all about supporting advisers so they can provide the highest-quality outcomes for their clients. I focus on removing friction, streamlining processes, and providing timely guidance; all the behind-the-scenes work that ensures advisers can operate efficiently and confidently.
What’s the best place you’ve ever visited in the UK?
Edinburgh, partly because of my Scottish roots, but also for its incredible heritage and atmosphere. From wandering the historic streets of the Old Town to taking in the views from the castle, it’s a city full of character and history that always feels special every time I visit.
What are you most looking forward to this year?
Strengthening our partnerships with advisers and continuing to refine how we support them. There are significant opportunities ahead, and I’m optimistic about what we can achieve together.
