James Brown, Head of Client Services – Compeer

James joined Compeer in October 2006 as an analyst following his graduation from The University of Warwick, where he studied Mathematics, Operational Research, Statistics and Economics.  Today he manages Compeer’s team of analysts. He has widely presented key trends in the UK Wealth Management Industry, with in-depth experience of providing statistical analysis of firms’ business performance. He regularly provides recommendations during presentations to Executive boards, and is actively involved in bespoke research projects.

Neil Bridger – Guest speaker for Athena Global

Neil is a Business Executive from the Financial and Information Technology Services industries with an established career in Senior executive positions for various blue chip companies. He has successfully run the Trading Floor as well as lead the International IT estate within Lloyds Banking Group, as well as key roles in National Westminster Bank.

Moreover, he has extensive experience in IT Outsourcing Commercial Management and Leadership roles in Service Sales in a number of IT Service organisations including IBM and Wipro Technology Services.

This gives Neil in-depth understanding of transitioning and executing key strategies, achieving Revenue, Cost and Service goals with a thorough knowledge of how to thrive and succeed in a UK or a complex International matrix organisation.

Tom Thwaites, Research Analyst – Compeer

Tom joined Compeer in January 2019 having graduated from the University of Leicester with a BSc in Financial Economics. During his time at university Tom attended Katholieke Universiteit Leuven in Belgium as part of the Erasmus program where he furthered his studies into economics, finance, business management and econometrics. He also gained work experience in Beijing on a summer internship for a Chinese consulting firm which specialises on the Belt and Road initiative.

Now, as a member of the Compeer analyst team Tom works on a variety of bespoke research projects looking into different aspects of the Wealth Management industry, presenting the findings at Compeer conferences as well as supporting the team with the annual industry report and benchmarking services.

Tariq Khan, Director of Client Services – Objectway

Tariq Khan is Director of Client services at Objectway – providers of front to back office software solutions to Wealth managers. Tariq has been working with UK wealth managers for over 10 years with a focus on digital transformation. Recently he has been spending a lot of time with senior executives discussing how firms can make the most of digital solutions in order to improve their client experience and their own operational efficiency.

Chris Handley, IT Strategy & Change Director – Rathbones

Chris is an Enterprise Architect, Strategist and Technical Evangelist who has been with Rathbones since February 2017. He has 21 years’ experience in Information Technology, with 10 of those in financial services having also previously worked for Callcredit (now TransUnion UK). Chris has broad industry experience and qualifications, whilst also being a member of the BCS having been awarded Chartered IT Professional status in 2009.

Chris enjoys scuba diving and rock climbing using both as good excuses to travel the world.

Nick Rosser, Head of Information Technology – Saunderson House

Nick is Head of Information Technology for Saunderson House, an award-winning independent firm of wealth managers focused on private clients.  Nick plays a leading role in defining and supporting the business lead technology strategies across the organisation.  He has over 25 years’ of experience working within financial services in roles within technology, operations and client advice at firms including Jupiter Asset Management and BDO LLP.

Simon Boyley, Head of IT & Business Solutions – LGT Vestra

Simon is Head of IT & Business Solutions and Partner at LGT Vestra. LGT Vestra is a partnership between the executive partners and the private banking group LGT, owned by the Princely Family of Liechtenstein. Simon is responsible for defining technology strategies across the organisation. He has over 20 years experience in financial services technology, having previously worked for NEST Pensions and Australian Unity.