Citywealth Leaders List, 60 seconds interview – Ameeta Panessar, Founder and Financial Adviser, Orelle Private Wealth

Date: 10 Sep 2025

Karen Jones

This week’s 60-second Citywealth Leaders List interview is dedicated to Ameeta Panessar, Founder and Financial Adviser, Orelle Private Wealth.

Tell Citywealth readers a bit about your role.

As a financial planner, my role is all about helping people feel more confident and in control of their money through bespoke financial planning that is completely tailored to them. That might mean helping with retirement or investment planning, or helping them preserve wealth for the next generation through estate planning. Sometimes, even a simple conversation can help bring the clarity a client has been looking for. My aim is always to make financial planning feel accessible and cut through the jargon and complexity so clients can make informed decisions without feeling overwhelmed.

What does a typical day look like for you?

There is no such thing as a typical day anymore and that’s one of the things I love most about this role! No two days are ever the same. I might be travelling for client meetings, spending time at my desk developing tailored solutions and writing reports or focusing on growing my business. Often, it’s a mix of all three and that variety is what keeps things interesting.

Tell us about some recent, interesting client instructions/requests you have received.

It’s hard to single out one client request as the most interesting because honestly, every conversation brings something unique. I get to hear people’s stories, understand their journeys and help them plan for the future. That’s what makes the work so rewarding. Each client has different goals, challenges and perspectives, and I love being able to show them what’s possible, even when they didn’t think it was.

What challenges do your clients face and how are you helping your clients to overcome them?

One of the biggest concerns I hear from clients is whether they will have enough to live comfortably and retire when they want to.  That’s where I come in. I take the time to really understand their goals, what retirement looks like for them and what they already have in place. If they have a shortfall, I can help by recommending tailored pension planning solutions and investment strategies to get them on track. It’s about turning uncertainty into clarity and helping people feel confident about the future.

What is your proudest professional achievement?

There have been a few things I’m really proud of, it’s hard to think of just one! Becoming qualified after all the hard work was a huge milestone. Starting my own business was another big step and speaking at a Women in Banking and Finance – Female Adviser Network event pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way. Being shortlisted for Financial Planning Individual of the year in the Citywealth Future Leaders awards is also of course, a huge honour. So much has happened in such a short space of time, and I’m genuinely grateful for every opportunity.

What do you consider to be the most important attributes for a leader?

For me, communication is absolutely key. In my experience, it’s the single most important attribute that can shape, or reshape, the culture of an organisation. Great leaders know how to communicate clearly and consistently, not just when things are going well but especially when they’re not. Empathy is another essential quality. Leaders who genuinely understand and care about the people they work with create environments where trust and collaboration thrive.

Who do you most admire and why?

Grace Beverley is also a huge inspiration – the things she managed to achieve at such a young age is extraordinary. She’s an absolute powerhouse!

Where was the last place you travelled to for work or pleasure?

Stranraer, Scotland. This part of Scotland sits on the western coast and is on the Rhins of Galloway peninsula. Because of the climate, there are actual palm trees there which people can’t believe unless they’ve been there to see it. It’s an amazing place and totally peaceful. I have friends that live there and visit fairly often. I love going there to reset.

If you weren’t in this industry, what else might you be doing?

Definitely something that involved working with animals.

How do you relax after a long day?

I find myself working into the evenings quite a lot, but I do love cooking and find it quite therapeutic when there’s time to try something new. I also love a good podcast and if it’s the weekend I am likely to have a pink G&T in hand.

Ameeta Panessar is shortlisted for Citywealth Future Leaders 2025

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