Lifestyle | 24 April 2024

A conversation with our new International Markets Lead

Our new International Markets Lead, Annie Ingram, tells us more about her new role and the focus it will have on International clients…

Since joining Coutts in 2017 as a Private Banker, Annie has had the privilege of working with many amazing clients. Specialising in UHNW non-resident and resident non-domiciled clients, with a particular focus on the Middle East and Asia Pacific, she has built a comprehensive and multi-faceted global network of clients and partners during trips to these regions.

Focusing on International clients, an area that Annie has a lot of experience in, her role now covers a broad range of clients living in many different jurisdictions, with some of these clients based in the UK.

We caught up with Annie to hear more as she embarks on her new role with Coutts Crown Dependencies.

Dennis recently joined as Head of Coutts Crown Dependencies, but he’s no stranger to the business. Over the last 16 years he has held Private Banker and leadership roles across both the domestic and international businesses of our investment provider, Coutts. His many responsibilities have included leading the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific markets, and specialising in UHNW non-resident and resident non-domiciled clients.

We caught up with Annie to hear more as she embarks on her new role with Coutts Crown Dependencies.

Tell us more about your background

I’m very proud to have grown up in the splendid city of Glasgow, a national cultural hub famed for its architecture and the warmth of its people (if not the weather!). The financial sector is a cornerstone of the economy and the RBS brand, now part of the NatWest Group, has a huge presence. When I joined the Group in 2006, it was the bank’s global reach that most appealed to me. Throughout my career I’ve had the opportunity to work in great cities and meet fascinating and inspiring people. Ultimately, my breadth of experience led me to join Coutts in 2017. I feel very fortunate that I found passion and purpose in private banking, serving as trusted adviser to exceptional clients and their families.

My background shaped me and showed me how what we do can help to shape the fabric of society. This experience instilled a conviction that diversity of thought and perspective is vital for growth and progress. Looking to the future, I hope to advance my work advocating for social mobility, gender equality and inclusion alongside the NatWest Group employee-led networks. I’m particularly passionate about supporting the advancement of women leaders and entrepreneurs.

Tell us about your current role

I’m really excited to be joining the Coutts Crown Dependencies leadership team. We have a fantastic multi-jurisdictional team across three of the World’s leading offshore financial centres (Jersey, Guernsey, Isle of Man), providing global wealth management solutions for local and international clients. Our team is committed to delivering outstanding service and expert advice to our clients. As International Markets Lead, I hope to use my experience and market knowledge to inspire my team and support our exceptional clients to help navigate the complexities of today’s financial world, ensuring their wealth works for them and the next generation.

I’m fortunate that my role gives me the opportunity to connect one on one with clients and work closely with their professional advisers to understand their priorities and how we can make a meaningful difference in those areas.

“My background shaped me and showed me how what we do can help to shape the fabric of society. This experience instilled a conviction that diversity of thought, and perspective is vital for growth and progress.”

Annie Ingram, International Markets Lead, Coutts Crown Dependencies

What are your first impressions?

Coutts Crown Dependencies is an authority on the dynamics of wealth and centre of excellence for many of the most successful and influential Global families. Often these families have an affinity with the UK and Crown Dependencies that transcends their financial decisions. Clients choose Coutts Crown Dependencies because they feel they are dealing with experts who understand them. These trusted relationships, as well as our experience of dealing with different jurisdictions and international markets, allows us to help generations with their evolving needs.

Our private banking service works seamlessly with our investment services, allowing us to tailor solutions to fit our clients ever-changing and often complex structuring needs. Our proposition provides complete flexibility with multi-currency capability across a range of current and deposit accounts.

What’s in store this year?

We represent some of the world’s fastest growing markets with a huge amount of opportunity, so we always have to be thinking with agility. This expertise means we’re poised to support our UK resident non-domiciled clients through the changes ahead, whilst working in close partnership with their wider teams and advisers.

A focus in many of our client conversations at the moment is investing, whether that’s to grow their money to get what they want out of life or grow their portfolio. Our expert wealth managers tailor their advice to each client’s needs. We work closely with Coutts as our investment provider and you can read their Investment Outlook for 2024 here. The Coutts Asset Management team, led by Chief Investment Officer Fahad Kamal, follows a dynamic and disciplined investment process which has supported performance. The economic outlook remains bright but risks from growth and inflation remain, so it’s critical to follow an enhanced investment process and to adapt swiftly to capitalise on any emerging opportunities.

Dennis Howard, Head of Coutts Crown Dependencies has cultivated a culture of continuous improvement for the benefit of our diverse client base and community. We’ve just reopened our refurbished client offices on Broad Street where clients and advisers can meet in a space designed with their needs in mind. Our clients are at the heart of everything we do and what matters to them is our absolute priority, this also includes their furry friends who are welcome to curl up in the cosy dog bed!

And finally what about when you’re not working – what do you do in your spare time?

I love to travel, especially when I can indulge my interest in architecture. Spending time outdoors, on the water, and hiking with my dog George are when I feel happiest. I’ve recently returned from sunny Jersey, and I can’t wait to experience the fantastic lifestyle and explore the islands of Jersey, Guernsey, and the Isle of Man this summer when they are at their very best. I’ve also made plans to try my hand at surfing!

Past performance should not be taken as a guide to future performance. The value of investments, and the income you get from them, can fall as well as rise and you may not get back what you put in. You should continue to hold cash for your short-term needs.

Read all the latest views from our investment provider Coutts on the year ahead for investors in the Investment Outlook 2024.

READ Coutts INVESTMENT OUTLOOK 2024