Citywealth Leaders List, 60 seconds interview – Chris Mourant, Fairway Group
This week’s 60 seconds Citywealth Leaders List interview is dedicated to Chris Mourant, Associate Director at Fairway Group.
Tell Citywealth readers a bit about your role.
I am an Associate Director at Fairway Group, where I work with international high-net-worth individuals, families, family offices and their advisers on the structuring, governance and administration of wealth across multiple jurisdictions. My role sits at the intersection of relationship management, strategic planning and technical expertise. On any given day, I might be discussing succession planning with a family office, working with legal and tax advisers on a new structure, or helping clients navigate evolving regulatory and tax landscapes. Ultimately, my goal is to ensure clients have robust structures that not only work today but continue to serve future generations.
What does a typical day look like for you?
One of the things I enjoy most about this profession is that there really is no such thing as a typical day. There are three key facets to my role, which are prioritised depending on client requirements: overseeing all new business opportunities that come into the private client team, overseeing the onboarding of all new business and ensuring that we remain strategically positioned to adapt to ever-changing tax and regulatory landscapes or identify key trends in terms of new market opportunities. The common thread is problem-solving. Clients rarely come to us with straightforward challenges, so every day requires a combination of technical knowledge, commercial awareness and practical judgement. There is also a healthy amount of coffee involved – arguably one of the most important tools in the fiduciary industry.
Tell us about some recent, interesting client instructions/requests you have received.
Recently, we have seen a significant increase in instructions from internationally mobile families looking to adapt to changing tax and residency regimes. This has involved reviewing existing structures, considering alternative jurisdictions and helping families prepare for intergenerational transfers of wealth. Another notable trend has been advising US persons on the structuring of wealth outside of the US and the interplay with the changes to the UK tax regime. Fairway continues to see large merchant families from the Middle East structuring their international assets using Jersey Private Trust Companies.
What challenges do your clients face and how are you helping your clients to overcome them?
The pace of change is probably the biggest challenge facing clients today. More specifically, global politics is driving private wealth trends and HNWIs are becoming more geographically diversified, which brings cross-border considerations to the forefront of wealth structuring. Tax regimes, regulatory requirements and reporting obligations continue to evolve, often across several jurisdictions at the same time. Our role is to provide clarity amidst that complexity. We work closely with clients and their advisers to identify practical solutions that align with their objectives while remaining flexible enough to adapt as circumstances change. In many cases, we are helping clients think not just about the next year, but the next generation.
What is your proudest professional achievement?
I could talk about the numerous accolades or awards I have received over the years but I’m a firm believer that any recognition is the sum of a team, not an individual. Rather than a single transaction or project, I am most proud of the long-term relationships I have built with clients and professional advisers over the years. Trust is earned over time, particularly in our industry where clients are often discussing personal, family and business matters that span generations. Knowing that clients and advisers return to us repeatedly and recommend us to others is something I take great pride in. The best compliment in this business is often not a trophy or an award – it is a referral.
What do you consider to be the most important attributes for a leader?
Authenticity, consistency and accountability. People respond positively to leaders who are genuine, communicate clearly and are willing to make decisions when required. Equally important is the ability to listen. Leadership is not about having all the answers; it is about creating an environment where the best answers can emerge. A good leader sets direction. A great leader helps others exceed what they thought they were capable of achieving.
Who do you most admire and why?
Any son wants to be like his dad to some degree but other than him, I would probably say Mikel Arteta. I’m a mad Arsenal fan and would love to be in his shoes for a day!
Where was the last place you travelled to for work or pleasure?
For work, my most recent travel took me to the United States, where I spent time meeting professional advisers and attending industry events focused on the private wealth sector. Personally, I recently enjoyed a family holiday in Crete. Travelling with young children certainly changes your definition of relaxation, but it also provides some of the best memories.
If you weren’t in this industry, what else might you be doing?
I’ve always toyed with the idea of studying to become a lawyer. I like the technical aspects of my current role and would still be able to build meaningful relationships around the world.
How do you relax after a long day?
Spending time with my family is the best way to switch off. I also enjoy travelling, keeping active and following sport. More recently, much of my free time has involved adventures with a very energetic young son, which tends to be both exhausting and surprisingly effective at putting work challenges into perspective.
Fairway Group’s Citywealth Leaders List profile
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