What’s your role and when did you start at Citywide?

I am a Financial Planner and joined Citywide in April this year. 

Can you tell us a bit about your study and education background?  

I grew up in Stellenbosch in South Africa and, being unsure of what specific career to head into when leaving school, I studied Maths. Whilst I enjoyed this subject, I realised that combining problem solving skills within a client facing environment would be a perfect career fit for me.  I have had various client facing roles in financial services starting in fund management before transitioning to financial planning.

What were you doing before you joined Citywide? 

I was working as a Financial Planner for a firm in Cheam Village in Surrey. Prior to that I spent 5 years as a foster carer for the London borough of Sutton whilst completing some financial planning exams.

What does your role at Citywide entail?

To build strong relationships with existing and any new clients by understanding their overall situation and what they want to do for the rest of their life.

With this knowledge and relationship, as a team we build a financial plan and meet with clients regularly to help them to monitor and achieve their goals.

What do you think sets Citywide apart from others from your experience so far?

Clients matter and the team is structured to ensure that clients have dedicated individuals looking after them.  There is a real focus on the long-term nature of financial planning rather than just selling a product.

There is a robust investment process that is consistently applied and a transparent fee structure without hidden or additional costs along the way.

I was also drawn to the strategic focus of the firm -ie ongoing thought and planning regarding ” where do we want to be as a firm? and how to we get there?”

What are your career plans and aspirations for the future?

To build strong relationships of trust with clients and to see them achieve their goals. I would also like to encourage young people to consider financial planning as a career.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I am an outdoor enthusiast and enjoy hiking and off road cycling. As a family we also love cooking and entertaining friends.

Having played musical instruments in my youth, I  have taken up the saxophone more recently and plan to join a jazz band this year.

I am passionate about financial education in schools and also in our society and so I work with two charities to deliver financial workshops in schools and money coaching courses for adults.