Annabel Barrow
Investment Director
Annabel Barrow has over 20 years of institutional and retail banking experience while working in London and Hong Kong. She manages tax efficient portfolios for private clients, corporates, trusts and clients of professional advisors that are tailored to meet their financial goals.
Annabel
manages tax efficient portfolios
for private clients, corporates, trusts and clients of professional advisors that are tailored to meet their financial goals.
Grabbing opportunities and going that extra mile is very important to me.
What do you feel passionate about both professionally and personally?
As my mother would say ‘making myself busy.’ If I can find a way to fix or improve something, then I will, even if it’s not my job. Grabbing opportunities and going that extra mile is very important to me, always learning and finding ways to be involved and do more.
Share an example of early life that has shaped you?
I was the first person in my family to go to university and the experience of living away from home to study with people from around the world was transformational. It gave me confidence to broaden my horizons and career aspirations. I went on to work at BNP Paribas and relocate to their Hong Kong office, a fantastic opportunity that I might not have been brave enough to take up, if it hadn’t been for the support of my University friends who lived there.
Highlights of your career so far?
Life changes, being there to support and guide clients through all of life’s ups and downs is a responsibility I shoulder with pride. I find having the knowledge and experience to provide guidance to the next turn adds value beyond the investments, although a strong investment performance does help!
Key lessons you have learned along the way?
Be the person ready to volunteer, help with challenges and changes that shape the direction of travel, it is always better to have a seat at the table. Build strong relationships and leverage off of them to be efficient and effective in all you do.
Best piece of advice you have received?
Do more than you need to, and bank the goodwill. Then when you need to call on others they will understand.
Advice to a young person just starting their career?
Network. If you have opportunities to meet new contacts always take them first time, as they are unlikely to ask you twice. Personal recommendation is the greatest compliment and the best step up in your career.
What is the greatest challenge you have faced either personally or in your career?
The classic; work /life balance. I love my work and it is addictive. Answering one more question or trying to get ahead on an investment review is always tempting, but it is important to have breaks, particularly when working from home and you have a new puppy (we have a Cockerdor) chewing through your furniture!
How do you approach and deal with challenges?
Deal with it! Add it to the ‘to do’ list, and lean on your network. I don’t feel the need to be everybody’s hero, if I can’t help then I will find someone who can.
How do you stay motivated at work and at home?
When looking after people’s life savings the most important thing is to care. To care that you are doing things right (ideally first time) and be organised so that you are always looking to beat expectations. The response from clients and colleagues for doing a good job is very rewarding and this doesn’t change if we are in the office or at home.
Why do you love what you do?
I don’t want to over complicate my answer, so I will quote one of my ex colleagues who said in his retirement speech ‘I have been very lucky, we work with a nice group of people to make money for nice clients.’ This remains true for me today and makes every day a pleasure even when the work is challenging.
Why is it important to support women-led business?
Rarely am I disappointed by women leaders, for them to have succeeded this far they have had to be high achievers, determined, and focused. From an investment perspective I see them as a safe pair of hands. With all other considerations being equal, then putting your money with the women-led business makes sense.