Gillian Schweppe (Chartered FCSI)

What attracted you to a career in financial planning?

I have always been passionate about client service and followed in my Mam’s footsteps joining the finance industry in Ireland in 1995.  Completing my BA (Hons) Business Studies, with services marketing specialisation cemented my passion for client facing positions.  I relocated to Jersey in 2003 and worked my way towards a Private Banking position, completing Level 6 Private Client Investment Advice Management.  My career has spanned Private Banking roles, dealing with international and local private clients, as well as trust and family office structures.  I have worked as an IFA dealing with local Jersey based clients.  I have also managed teams, inspiring and motivating my team to break their own glass ceilings and limiting beliefs.  I was delighted to join Quilter Cheviot in 2023 as a Financial Planner, working in a business with a dual expert model and collaborating with the Investment Management team.

How do you approach your role on a daily basis?

I qualified as a Certified Coach in 2020 with the International Coaching Federation. It was one of the most powerful tools I have learnt, in terms of helping people achieve their goals.  The financial planning industry has changed significantly over the past number of years. There is definitely a move towards encompassing coaching, as a framework to help people achieve their aspirations with holistic financial planning. I build strong relationship with my clients, spending time understanding what is important to them and assessing how I can build a plan to help them achieve their goals. Most people are time poor and committing that time with me ensures they leave the meeting feeling financially organised, with peace of mind knowing there is a plan in place.  I love sitting down with clients every year, to hear how things have progressed and looking at whether there are any changes we want to factor into their plan.

What are your interests outside of work?

Outside of work, I love spending time in the fresh air whether that is walking to work every day, sea swimming, or cycling.  I have also been practising yoga for as long as I can remember, it is an incredible tool for your body and mind. I volunteer and am part of the Chartered Institute Securities Investments Committee (Jersey Branch). I enjoy giving back to an industry that has enabled me to achieve so much personally and professionally.