Citywealth annual, gala awards evening 2009

Date: 22 May 2009

Citywealth

The credit crunch couldn’t take the shine off the Citywealth Magic Circle and leaders list Awards evening for 2009.

With a back to basics British theme, Citywealth welcomed some of the biggest names in private wealth advisory and management from around the world.

Two hundred and fifty guests arrived to the evening which started with the Katten Muchin Rosenman champagne and Bellini drinks reception, which was scented by a mixture of Jo Malone candles which included grapefruit, lime blossom and spring jasmine perfumes. The Queen, look-a-like, stood regally by, fulfilling the Citywealth engagement with poise and elegance. She was heard speaking about her latest gift from the Obama family‚Äîan iPod. “Shouldn’t it be called a we-pod? As in the Royal We?”, she queried. The Queen also received a Rodgers & Hammerstein gift from the Obama’s. Josh Rubenstein who recently completed the Rodgers family sale of the rights to the complete works of the Rodgers side of the Rodgers & Hammerstein duo, revealed a long held secret that the gift given to the Queen was a signed complete works from Rodgers.

With the champagne flowing, guests arrived in catwalk outfits that would jostle for paparazzi shoulder space on any red carpet.

Stella Mitchell Voisin of Close Summit Trust wore a green off the shoulder gown with eyelashes made to entice; Katie Booth, Butterfield International Private Office dazzled with silver satin slippers and a slinky silvery outfit but Penny Lovell, FF&P stole the show and took the unofficial Citywealth Kate Moss award.

Guests were offered photo’s with The Queen when they picked up their Leaders List trophy but many were too shy to participate. Fortunately after a sip of two of Bellini, confidence grew and it wasn’t long before The Queen was mobbed with eager wealthonista’s wanting their photo memento.

Although discretion is key in wealth it was clear some new alliances were being formed. Josh Rubenstein was spotted deep in conversation with Clare Usher Wilson of Close Summit Trust and George Francis of Payne Hicks Beach was heard regaling our Olympic star Tracy Mattes about the delights of dancing at Annabells.

In high spirits guests moved into the main dining room decorated in a red, white and blue British style.

Once seated, guests were welcomed by Karen Jones, Editor of Citywealth who also introduced a short movie for the beneficiary charity of the evening: The United Nations organisation: Sustainable Tourism for Eliminating Poverty – UNWTO ST-EP and the World Olympians Association. Both are collaborating to bring a programme called “thank you small library” to children in various parts of the world in need of education (most recently Mozambique).

After the video Ambassador Dho who chairs the UNWTO ST-EP organisation and who had flown in for the event from Korea, spoke about her work. This was followed by an address from Dick Fosbury, famous for the Fosbury Flop, winning gold in the Olympics in Mexico City in 1968 and now Chair of the World Olympians Association. The Association helps former Olympic athletes remain connected to the ongoing movement. And through fund raising puts on events and functions for them.

After the charity address, dinner commenced. Crab and salmon fishcakes were served with mayonnaise , followed by lamb with spinach, woodland mushrooms and a shallot tart. Pudding was a culinary adventure with a honey bee parfait and sugar cage with home made petit fours.

Once dinner was complete Gyles Brandreth, TV presenter and former British Conservative Member of Parliament, took the stage to regale dinner guests with high jinks about government ministers.

Then followed the announcement of the winners. Judges this year were: Andrew Young, LG, Daniel Martineau, Close Summit Trust, Switzerland, Etienne D’Arenberg, Mirabaud, Switzerland, George Francis, Payne Hicks Beach, Dr Saskia Wilhelms, Family Office Network and David Cracknell, Big Tent Communications and former Political Editor of The Sunday Times.

Notable winners included Alexander Hoare who is scooping up awards wherever he goes. Lord North Street for family office and Guy Paterson, of the Unigestion Family Investment Office. Farrer & Co were also a winner and just pipped Macfarlanes to the top slot for 2009.

A new award this year was for Woman of the Year, which was won by Katie Booth for her work in launching the new International Private Office with Butterfield Bank & Trust. Lesley Lintott of Penningtons also received numerous recommendations for this prize.

After the awards, Lord Dalmeny of Sothebys ran through the charity auction which included trips on classic yachts in Italy, Olympic 2012 tickets, a corporate Harrods hamper, Inner place concierge memberships, a raw-and-juicy.com detox and Vivienne Westwood jewels.

All bids sold and winners congratulated, the evening moved to a bespoke club lounge with Citywealth footing the bar bill for guests. Citywealth felt a low key approach was more appropriate in the light of the downturn which certainly helped facilitate more business networking with many happy guests staying well into the small hours to discuss some very serious tax issues over a bottle or two of champagne.

Another treat was organised for guests who still wanted to party. Aspinalls, the only premium level casino owned and operated by the original founding family, the Aspinall’s, offered VIP guests free membership worth ¬£1000 and a glass of champagne on arrival at the club. Citywealth Editor spotted some serious James Bond style play on the poker tables as guests whiled away a few hours outwitting their wealth counterparts with their card skills.

Congratulations to 2009 Citywealth Magic Circle Award winners and Leaders list individuals. Research to find 2010 leaders list individuals and new judges for our contest is already underway. If you have any comments about our selections, we encourage feedback to help us build a rounded picture of our recommended individuals and their ongoing client and peer work.

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14th May 2009

Citywealth Magic Circle Award Winners

Private Bank of the Year

Winner: C. Hoare & Co.

Private Banker of the Year

Winner: Alexander Hoare, C. Hoare & Co.

Investment Management Company of the Year

Ruffer

Family Office of the Year

Winner: Lord North Street

Family Office Individual of the Year

Winner: Guy Paterson,

Unigestion Family Investment Office

European Family Office of the Year

Winner: Financiere MJ Family Office

Law Firm of the Year