In Focus News & Insights

One of the main concerns of parents when they are considering relocation to Spain, is of course the quality of the education available. Alongside questions around the type of employment opportunities available and the overall quality of life, education is one of the key factors in deciding where to eventually settle.

If, as is often the case, the family does not speak Spanish fluently, this often leads them to consider the option of an international school in Spain. There are no shortage of options in this regard. With a large, thriving community of expats already living there, those looking for a Spanish private school will find any number of options available.

How / why did you get into your line of work in the financial services sector?

I’ve always been very service orientated, whether it was waiting tables in my teens or building and maintaining Enterprise network infrastructures in Spain and Portugal. I enjoy understanding complex, underlying concepts and I get great satisfaction when I can translate it into something my clients understand, relate to and see the benefits of. I got into financial services because I felt that it was very similar to my background in IT in that I continue to build networks, bridges and connections, however this time it’s not with equipment, it’s with people.

In recent years Portugal has become a very attractive prospect for anyone looking to move to sunnier climes. A number of initiatives by the Portuguese government have made it easier for non-European citizens to apply for special visas, which allow them to both live and work in the country. The most famous of these is the so-called Golden Visa, which permits people to become resident based on their making a significant investment in the country, purchasing property, or setting up a business. Whatever your reason for wanting to move, and there are many, getting a mortgage in Portugal is going to be high on your agenda.

How / why did you get into your line of work in the financial services sector?

On leaving school aged 17, joining a bank or insurance company was a popular career choice. I spent 13 years with Standard Life, which also gave me the foundation to study and obtain advanced level financial services qualifications. I always wanted to further my career in the industry and to give direct client advice – this took me abroad in 1999 and I have never looked back since.

How / why did you get into your line of work in the financial services sector?

I actually entered the financial services sector by chance. In 2012 I was studying my Masters in Finance when I was cold called to meet with a financial advisor (back in the days when cold calling was normal). I frankly answered that I had no funds to invest, but if they had a job for me then we could continue the conversation. Two weeks later I was employed as a junior assistant in the team and the rest, as they say, is history.

How / why did you get into your line of work in the financial services sector?

I have always taken a keen interest in the day to day workings of the global economy, and how geopolitical events can affect the market. My career has always revolved around helping people find suitable solutions to seemingly challenging situations.

How / why did you get into your line of work in the financial services sector?

Working as a personal assistant is right up my street. I can streamline and tidy everything up and I get to organise and arrange things. My role evolves constantly. With all the challenges Brexit has brought us, alongside many other changes to the industry, it never gets boring. The financial services sector seemed like a challenge and I was willing to take it on.

One of the best pieces of semi-financial advice I ever received was about buying clothes: buy good quality (obviously) and then have the garment altered to fit me specifically; sound financial and sartorial sense. Of course, this means going a little further than one might normally when buying a new outfit, but it’s a little extra that I think is more than justified in the end. Ready-to-wear clothes are great without doubt, but having something that fits you perfectly gives a continued feeling of satisfaction with every wear, it’s so worth it. There are parallels to be made in my professional life as well; it’s such a pleasure to be able to offer clients advice and products that are tailormade to their requirements and fit their circumstances perfectly.