In Focus News & Insights

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.

International Women's Day (IWD) “is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women”, a sentiment we are delighted to endorse.

It is no secret that the financial services industry has traditionally been viewed as something of an “old boys’ club” – but this is changing as we see more women climb the career ladder in prominent financial companies across the world.

We spoke to some of the tenacious women in our organization, all of whom are happy to be blazing a trail for women in finance, about their thoughts on working in such a male-oriented industry, and what advice they had for other women starting out.

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

I knew the owners of Blacktower before I moved to Spain and was impressed with their long-term vision for expansion – also their sense of being a family business, no matter how big or small the company.