Leaders List interview: 60 seconds with Alison Whatnall, GSB

Date: 16 Oct 2024

Karen Jones

This week’s 60-second piece is dedicated to Alison Whatnall, Founder and Chief Operating Officer at GSB.

Tell Citywealth readers a bit about your role.

As Co-Founder and Group COO of GSB Group, I oversee the operational side of the business globally. I ensure that we maintain our commitment to holistic wealth management across all our divisions—Wealth, Private, and Capital Markets—while also driving innovation. My role is about ensuring seamless operations across our offices in the UAE, UK, Switzerland, as well as fostering a culture of authenticity and growth within the team.

What does a typical day look like for you?

One of the benefits of being part of a culture-first organization is having the flexibility to set my own working hours, which allows me to drop my children off at school before heading to the office. With three children, there are regular assemblies and exhibitions, and I’m fortunate to be able to attend all of their school events. It’s so important that we show up for our children. Once I’m at work, my day is pretty varied. My current focus is on innovation projects such as expanding our regulatory footprint, enhancing our digital capabilities and developing new services for clients, whilst providing support to the other board members, as they require. Flexibility is key, as every day brings something new.

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

GSB Private Finance was approached by a UAE-based, high-net-worth couple with a UK background who needed to release $15,000,000 in equity from their unencumbered property on Palm Jumeirah to reinvest into their UAE business. Despite the low loan-to-value ratio, the couple faced challenges due to strict UAE central bank regulations on equity release, low liquidity, and income that didn’t meet traditional affordability criteria. GSB secured a solution with an international private bank, structuring a five-year loan with a blended margin of 1.55%, allowing 70% of the funds to be released for business investment and 30% retained for reinvestment onto the Bank’s balance sheet (to be managed by GSB Private). This, combined with existing assets transferred to the lender from elsewhere, helped establish a broader relationship with the lender, which allowed them to ultimately get more comfortable with the facility. This outcome met the clients’ needs while overcoming regulatory, affordability and liquidity challenges. 

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

Clients are increasingly dealing with uncertainty, whether from market volatility, regulatory changes, or geopolitical issues. We help by offering tailored solutions that integrate risk management with long-term growth strategies. For example, our private clients face challenges in maintaining family wealth across generations, and we support them with bespoke legacy planning and sustainable investment solutions.

What is your proudest professional achievement?

My proudest professional achievement is attaining B Corp certification for GSB. It was a rigorous process, but it reinforced our commitment to balancing purpose and profit. This certification reflects the values we hold dear—accountability, transparency, and sustainability—while also setting us apart in the wealth management industry. It’s a milestone that not only validates our efforts but also drives us to continue making a positive impact in both our clients’ lives and the communities we serve.

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

Empathy, resilience, and authenticity are critical for any leader. You need to understand your team’s strengths and challenges while staying adaptable and transparent. At GSB, we place great emphasis on creating a culture where people feel supported to grow, which I believe starts with empathetic leadership.

Who do you most admire and why?

I admire Sheryl Sandberg for her leadership and resilience in navigating the tech industry while advocating for women in leadership. Her work on encouraging transparency and empathy in leadership has had a profound impact on how I view my own role.

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

The last place I travelled for pleasure was Greece with my family. It was a wonderful opportunity to relax and enjoy quality time together, exploring the beautiful landscapes and rich history the country has to offer.

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

If I weren’t in wealth management, I think I’d be working in something related to social enterprise. I’ve always had a strong interest in creating impact-driven businesses, and our partnership with Evolvin’ Women has further fuelled that passion.

How do you relax after a long day?

I relax by spending time with my husband and children. We love trying new things together, whether it’s exploring new activities, visiting different places, or learning something new. It’s important to me to broaden their horizons while also unwinding and reconnecting as a family. It’s the perfect way to switch off from work and recharge for the next day.