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I graduated from Queen's University Belfast with a first-class honours degree in Finance before starting my career with Davy. Since joining the portfolio analyst programme in October 2018, the support and encouragement I've received from Davy has been instrumental in both my personal and professional development. I've achieved three promotions, obtained qualifications as a Chartered Financial Planner and am currently enjoying my role as a Wealth Manager.
A significant part of my role involves analysing our clients’ current financial position in order to understand their investment goals and objectives. By leveraging this understanding, I ensure they have a personalised plan that aligns with their needs, goals, and risk profile.
Davy’s workplace culture places a high value on achieving a healthy work-life balance, which allows me to continue prioritising things that are important to me outside of work. Being able to strike this balance between personal and career pursuits has played a huge role in my career progression to date.
I joined Davy Capital Markets Operations in July 2019 as a graduate. From the very beginning I felt that there was something special about Davy, particularly the people. The initial support and warm welcome I received from my team, and wider department, was put to the test when the pandemic hit only six months later and the transition to working from home began. This change was smooth and straightforward due to the fantastic people I had around me.
Post-pandemic, flexibility and work/life balance continues to be a priority within our department. There is always a friendly and productive atmosphere in the office and for when you want to step away from the desk, there are an abundance of classes, events and activities – something for everyone.
There are endless opportunities to develop and challenge yourself, all of which are facilitated and encouraged by Davy. So far, I have completed a Professional Certificate in Stockbroking and became a Qualified Financial Adviser. The opportunity to obtain these qualifications allowed me to achieve my personal development goals, while also enhancing job satisfaction. This meant I could do my job more efficiently and effectively with the skills and knowledge gained through my studies.
Career development and progression opportunities both within your department and across the business are encouraged and attainable. You can be assured that hard work will be recognised, valued and rewarded.
I joined Davy Private Clients in January 2006 after working for three years at Bank of Ireland. Prior to this, I held senior management positions in Australia and London in a different industry. At Davy, I initially collaborated with advisers, assisting their clients with financial planning needs. Subsequently, I transitioned to Davy Select during its initial stages working with clients interested in online trading. After a couple of years in this role, I chose to return to Davy Private Clients and became an adviser. It took several years to establish my own client base, and I have been dedicated to this role since 2016.
I am now a director within Davy Private Clients and my primary focus is working with high-net-worth clients. I specialise in addressing their financial needs, safeguarding their wealth from inflation, and fostering its growth for future generations in a tax-efficient manner.
Throughout my tenure at Davy, I've acquired numerous qualifications, including achieving Certified Financial Planner status and completing my Masters in Financial Services.
Outside of Davy, I am married and we have two children. I contribute as a mentor for U13 girls at Naomh Olaf, my local GAA Club. Golfing at Castle Golf Club is one of my hobbies, and I actively organise and participate in Davy corporate golf days. As a strong advocate for health and fitness, I take pride in incorporating a Pilates routine into most of my days before starting work.
My career with Davy began in August 2009. Equipped with a business degree but lacking specific experience in finance, while on a fixed term contract, I unexpectedly found myself drawn to the dealing desk in Davy Private Clients.
With a determination to succeed, I set out to complete my Qualified Financial Advisor (QFA) qualifications with the goal of joining the Execution Desk as a dealer. The launch of the Davy Select Intermediary (DSI) business in 2013 marked a turning point in my career, and I transferred to this team as a Dealer. In this role, I collaborated with third-party financial advisory firms, overseeing their clients' pensions and investment portfolios.
My time with DSI has been incredibly rewarding, serving as a driving force for my professional growth. I progressed from dealer to account manager and then further to the role of strategic account manager. Today, I proudly hold the position of Head of the Intermediary Business, a testament to my dedication and journey within the company.
Committed to continuous improvement, I pursued the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and a Master of Science in Financial Planning, supported and encouraged by Davy. The autonomy granted to me by Davy allows me to run my business independently, with the reassurance of support whenever needed. My journey stands as a testament to the incredible opportunities for growth and development within the Davy Select family.
I joined Davy in December 2001 as an administrator in Pensions; on a temporary contract but was made permanent the following year. Within a year I was promoted to the position of team leader, Since then I gained experience in multiple roles in Operations, Compliance, Risk and Client Asset Oversight. In 2023 I successfully secured a promotion to the role of Head of Client Assets and sit on the Risk Senior Management Team reporting to the CRRO.
Davy not only facilitated my career growth, by supporting my professional development, but also allowed for flexibility, enabling me to balance my career goals with being there for my active and sports-loving children. The company's commitment to promoting a work-life balance is crucial in fostering a positive and supportive work environment.
I joined Davy in January 2020 as part of the portfolio analyst programme operating in Belfast. It is designed to offer a gateway to progress through the business, gaining insight and experience into all cogs that ultimately aim to provide good client outcomes. My first three years were predominately spent acquiring the necessary exams and providing administration and report writing support for our front office team. In December 2022, I gained promotion to Assistant Wealth Manager which is effectively the transition into a client facing role. Davy continues to support my development and I am currently going through our T&C scheme which involves being signed off internally to provide advice directly to retail clients and build up my own client book.
I have found my time at Davy to be stimulating and demanding offering a great work life balance