Assisting clients and preparing reports to help them make informed decisions by reviewing their changing needs and financial circumstances, while meeting the regulatory aspects of the role, such as requirements for disclosure, costs of the services provided and also the advised products. The advice includes up to date techniques in cash flow analysis, fund analysis and tax advice. Where applicable, 3rd party professionals are engaged such as the Association of International Tax Consultants, with whom I work closely to enhance client outcomes.

My role as General Manager was to ensure that AES Middle East and AES Qatar met all the local regulatory requirements of both the UAE and Qatar, while also managing the requirements of two very busy offices with approximately 25 advisers and 20 support staff. Roles included training and competency, compliance, anti-money laundering, sales and recruitment.

Responsible for developing and advising on compliance policies to support the company with all the applicable regulatory requirements. Responsible for raising awareness of regulatory requirements and compliance policies and providing advice and recommendations on actions within the global group, throughout Europe and the Middle East. Required to provide input on policy related training materials and conducted the actual training for front line staff for compliance and advice related issues. Gather and analyze information about the organization and workflows to understand how and what policies are applicable within the organization. Review and update procedures to reflect changes in legislation and information that impacted the business. Advise the business in the development of internal control processes and policies to support ongoing compliance. Provide recommendations for the enhancement/clarification of compliance policies, practices, procedures, and/or systems changes necessary to support ongoing compliance. Develop and deliver training for the organization to update employees on policy changes and raise awareness of regulatory requirements and compliance policies. Act as an educational resource regarding applicable compliance matters and questions.This role also allowed me to understand the different complexities of providing advice in different jurisdictions as AES Financial Services limited provider cross border advice via the European MiFID and IMD passporting system.

As current Private Client Adviser role.

Key responsibilities included preparing financial analyses for clients, including retirement analysis, estate planning analysis, education funding analysis and risk management needs analysis. All aspects of pre-client meeting activities such as preparation of meeting agendas, client paperwork, Investment Policy statements, asset allocations as well as post-client meeting tasks such as develop meeting notes, perform financial situation analyses, and coordinate planning implementation with outside professionals if required. Continuously monitor clients’ financial situations with detail and accuracy. Having to learn things quickly in a fast paced environment and effectively manage regular changing of priorities.

This was a unique role where I was asked to review the files of all potential new clients. Using my tax investment, financial planning skills and qualifications, I had to assess each new client file with the client’s adviser. The aim of the role was to identify key points of financial planning with the adviser to optimise client outcomes with regards to tax and investments, so in turn producing increased revenues for the company. This was an enjoyable role which tested my knowledge, as it allowed me access to clients from a broad spectrum of industries with hugely varying earnings from lawyers to Hedge Fund managers, each of whom have very differing circumstances. It was this role where I believe I gained most knowledge in a short period of time.