Winners of the Future Leaders Awards 2023
Following a fantastic night at the Future Leaders Awards ceremony last week, Citywealth reflects on the evening’s events and interviews a few of the individuals who went home with an award.
To view the full list of winners, see here. To view the gallery of photos from the night, see here.
Now in its ninth year, the Future Leaders Awards champions young professionals in the wealth sector and highlights the leaders under forty of today and tomorrow. The philosophy of the contest is to support future leaders who excel at work but who also make an important contribution to society. Thank you to ZEDRA, the evening’s sponsors, for supporting the Awards.
The winners were announced at a fabulous ceremony at the Clermont Hotel in central London. Drinks flowed, canapes circulated, and there was a wonderful feeling of camaraderie in the room as everyone showed their support for the evening’s winners. Professional triathlete turned BBC pundit Annie Emmerson announced the awards following a champagne reception, and the celebrations carried on into the night.
Following the ceremony, Citywealth caught up with a few of the evening’s winners to get their views on the future of the wealth management industry, understand which qualities have served them best in their careers, and reveal what advice they would give to industry newcomers.
Introducing (some of) the Future Leaders Awards 2023 winners
Alexandra Hirt, Lenz & Staehelin – Gold award for Private Investment/Family Office/UHNW Services – Individual of the Year
Alexandra is a counsel with extensive expertise in estate planning and the execution of wills, relocations, philanthropy and management of private clients’ personal affairs. Other areas of her practice include structures – in particular foundations and trusts. She also specialises in Swiss and international taxation with a focus on HNWI, including exchange of information. Alongside this, Alexandra enjoys taking up frequent invitations to speak at a variety of forums on her areas of expertise. She lectures on Swiss and international tax law at the CAS in International Individual Taxation at Kalaidos Fachhochschule.
James Bartolo-Smith, Barclays Private Bank – Gold award for Private Banker of the Year
James is a private banking professional with experience in investment management and execution, both public and private, direct investing, lending, and structuring wealth. He works closely with external advisors and Barclay’s Corporate and Investment Bank to deliver solutions for clients with unique and complex needs.
Camellia Buckmaster, Payne Hicks Beach – Gold award for Family Lawyer of the Year – Senior/Managing Associate
Camellia advises on all aspects of family law and specialises in High Net Worth complex financial disputes arising from divorce and for unmarried parents. Her practice covers co-habitation and pre/post nuptial agreements, jurisdictional disputes and Non-Molestation Orders and Occupation Orders. Her cases often involve an international element and/or complex trust structures. Camellia’s children private law work includes cases with contentious child arrangements and international relocation.
Anna-Marie Egre, Standard Bank – Gold award for Trust Officer of the Year
Anna-Marie has over a decade of experience in the fiduciary services industry and holds a STEP Diploma in International Trust Management and a certificate in Offshore Administration. An integral member of Standard Bank’s International Fiduciary Services team, she specialises in the administration of real estate portfolios. Anna-Marie has won the Gold award in this category for the second year running.
Sarah Jane Lenihan, Dawson Cornwell – Gold award for Family Lawyer of the Year – Partner
Sarah Jane is a Partner at Dawson Cornwell with 15 years’ experience. She advises on all aspects of family law, particularly financial remedies and private law children matters, often with significant allegations of abuse. Her key strengths in practice come from her robust, quick-thinking and technical approach combined with the ability to build a rapport with vulnerable, and often very distressed clients. Sarah Jane is a member of Resolution and sits on the Resolution Litigants in Person working committee.
Natalia Fortuna, Ogier – Gold award for Lawyer of the Year IFC – Associate
Natalia is an Associate in Ogier’s Private Wealth team. She qualified as an English Solicitor after completing Ogier’s training contract in 2021. Prior to joining Ogier, she worked as a paralegal in the Dispute Resolution and Litigation department of Carey Olsen. Natalia also speaks Italian and French.
What is a trend you’ve noticed in your profession that you anticipate becoming a big topic in the future?
Alexandra Hirt: In light of recent developments, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the legal landscape is a significant trend. The rapid advancements are reshaping our industry. The challenge lies in responsibly adopting AI to enhance efficiency without compromising ethical standards. Firms need to proactively navigate this transition, ensuring their teams are well-equipped to leverage AI effectively.
James Bartolo-Smith: AI will broadly influence all facets of work within most if not all industries, finance included. Thinking about the, very relevant, effect on the economic cycle for wealth creators, it will allow high growth businesses to review and iterate much more rapidly. I therefore anticipate sharper growth trajectories, with leaner, more efficient teams and therefore different funding requirements. Large capital raises may fall away as the need to fund headcount and years of burn reduces. This poses a problem for capital allocators in private markets who will need to present more value than simply the liquidity. It may also mean, however, that founding teams can maintain more control and ultimately benefit more at exit, which may also be accelerated duo to the efficiencies AI will provide. Clearly then the way advice is given when managing that liquidity will also then look and feel very different, both increasing efficiency and competition within financial services.
Camellia Buckmaster: Whether to arbitrate in both children and finance work for speed and confidentiality reasons.
Anna-Marie Egre: Good question, there is definitely growing interest in Sustainable Finance and Not For Profit Foundations within the Trust Industry. Clients are becoming more mindful over their impact and the contribution that their wealth can make. For example, they may wish to understand the carbon emissions produced within their investment portfolio or look to select portfolios with a philanthropic focus. At Standard Bank, all employees undergo training on our Social, Environmental and Economic (SEE) strategy and indeed I have been lucky enough to undertake a short secondment in this area. We are increasing the positive impact our business is having from an SEE perspective and I am excited to share my newfound knowledge in this area and understand how the Trust industry can adapt to embrace such concepts.
Sarah Jane Lenihan: There is a lot of discussion currently in respect of conduct of spouses and whether there should be any compensation for this behaviour during the marriage at the time of consideration of the distribution of the finances following divorce. We have recently seen a rise in allegations of coercive control and in particular financial abuse during the course of a marriage with the attempt to obtain a greater financial settlement. Reviewing the recent case law I expect these allegations to reduce as the threshold is high and the Courts are warning spouses making allegations to think carefully about these before pleading them.
Natalia Fortuna: Succession of wealth is a hot topic at the moment, and involving the next generation, or even the third generation, in succession planning is high on the agenda for many families and trustees. By including the next gen in these conversations and gaining their input, planning and restructuring is evolving to reflect both personal and business environments for those involved.
Which personal quality has served you best in your career so far?
Alexandra Hirt: Undoubtedly, the quality I hold in high regard is staying human. The invaluable feedback from clients emphasizing not only professional competence but also the humane approach underscores the essence of our profession. The ability to empathize, understand, and connect on a personal level is integral. I am privileged to work alongside an exceptional team, and these human connections form the cornerstone of our success.
James Bartolo-Smith: I would say ‘strategic task management’. Working at a large bank with a broad platform and complex clients requires an ability to handle various demands in a dynamic manner. The ability to prioritise and manage these needs strategically and flexibly is a critical skill to delivering optimal client outcomes.
Camellia Buckmaster: Determination and an eye for detail.
Anna-Marie Egre: I was recently asked this same question in response to me celebrating ten years in my career within the Trust industry. It is more than one quality, however I feel they all interlink, so, my answer would be resilience, empathy and positivity. These key qualities are important as not every day is going to go as planned. We need to stay flexible and adapt quickly to changes in client circumstances or updated local or worldwide legislation and regulations. Often a clients’ needs or situations can change overnight – we aim to support those changes, in collaboration with other advisors, and find the most appropriate solution, delivered as much as possible in a stress-free way.
Sarah Jane Lenihan: Empathy. The ability to not only listen, understand but empathise have been key. This has enabled me to build relationships with clients quickly which during such an emotive time is key for them. Most lawyers know the law but clients are looking for something more than that.
Natalia Fortuna: I think that a people-first approach is crucial to a career in law. A job in the legal profession, particularly private wealth, is one that can’t be done alone. Teamwork is essential. So, it’s important to be kind to everyone, show appreciation and prioritise your relationships with the people you meet at every level whether they are your colleagues, support staff, managers, or clients. By creating a positive experience for everyone involved, even just through our interactions, we can each take a proactive step in fostering supportive working environments. Ultimately, by doing so, you can help your team provide a higher quality product or service to your client. By taking a collaborative approach, teams can achieve better results.
What advice would you give to aspiring future leaders based on your experience?
Alexandra Hirt: Reflecting on my journey, one crucial piece of advice for aspiring leaders is to balance dedication to work with strategic career planning. While the legal profession demands significant time and effort, it is essential to invest in personal and professional development. Identify where you want to be in the coming years, strategically position yourself, and seek mentorship and support. Remember, a fulfilling career involves not just navigating the daily challenges but also evolving both professionally and personally.
James Bartolo-Smith: Just embrace your own style and identity fully. It is easy to look at experienced peers and wish to be more like them. It is unlikely, however, to prove sustainable and will ultimately remove enjoyment and add pressure. Embracing your own strengths and being aware of weaknesses, then owning both and building a brand and style with these in front of mind, would be my advice.
Camellia Buckmaster: Aim to settle wherever sensible / possible but prepare and run each matter as if you are going to final hearing from the outset so that you are willing and able to do so if your client and their case requires it.
Anna-Marie Egre: I couldn’t limit this response to one thing as a few things spring to mind, so probably easier to bullet point them:
- Your team is your biggest and best asset, I feel very lucky to be part of an amazing team
- Every day is different, you need to be flexible and remain ready
- Having a great, open and honest relationship with your clients is critical
- Stay dynamic and quickly adapt to the ever-changing trust environment and new legislation.
- As corny as it sounds ‘Fail to prepare, prepare to fail’ – this is very true
- Build strong relationships with intermediaries, you need them
- Be innovative and look for efficiencies to help drive service delivery and control administration costs.
- Don’t hesitate when you can act.
- Pastries on a Friday are always welcome!
Sarah Jane Lenihan: Hard work pays off! A number of times I would struggle with saying no to any opportunity whether it was a new case, marketing opportunities or extra responsibilities in the office. I would wonder if it would all be worth it and sometimes be annoyed I kept saying yes but grabbing every opportunity with both hands has not only exposed me to amazing work, networks but shaped me to be the lawyer I am today, which I am very proud of.
Natalia Fortuna: Don’t be afraid to take opportunities, even if you don’t feel ready, or they are different to what you set out to do at the start. The experience you can gain from trying something new will never be wasted; the skills and knowledge you gain will always be transferable. It’s these moments that provide the best opportunities to continue your development. And, if you feel nervous, ask for advice. People are usually happy to help and share their knowledge to help you progress.
Submissions for the Future Leaders Awards 2024 open on 27 November 2023. Follow us on LinkedIn and keep an eye on our event page to stay up to date with the Awards for 2024!
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