First Names Group has announced that three ‘First Names’ have been named in eprivateclient’s inaugural Channel Islands Top 35 Under 35.
New for 2018, this awards listing focuses on recognising and promoting the rising stars of the private client industry in Jersey and Guernsey. It runs alongside the broader UK and Crown Dependencies Top 35 Under 35, which is now in its tenth year.
Flying the flag for First Names Group’s Guernsey office are managers Sam Le Brun and Rhuaridh Watt, while representing Jersey is fellow manager Laura Kyle.
Sam leads a four-person administration team, taking care of a range of complex structures holding artwork, vessels, private collections and real estate assets including well-established hotels. She receives exceptional client feedback and, having joined the industry as a trainee administrator straight from school, has been quick to progress through the ranks to her current role as Private Client Manager. Now with 15 years in the sector, Sam continues to prioritise her professional development. She is a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT). She is also a qualified member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP), with qualifications including Diplomas 1-4 and a Certificate in International Trust Management.
As Client Relationship Manager, Rhuaridh manages a portfolio of complex holding structures that require a high level of technical knowledge and/or client management. Prior to joining First Names Group in 2017, law graduate Rhuaridh worked for a leading offshore law firm for three years, during which he gained exposure to private client and non-contentious trust work. He subsequently moved to a boutique trust and corporate service provider, where he was responsible for managing complex family structures. Rhuaridh is a qualified member of STEP and an associate member of the Chartered Institute of Securities and Investment (CISI). Notably he achieved his STEP diploma in six months rather than the usual two years, passing with distinction.
Laura holds the title of Trust Manager and has more than a decade of experience in the offshore fiduciary industry. She has managed family trusts, complex holding structures, private and charitable foundations, fulfilment business and yacht-owning and art-owning entities. As a new business coordinator in a previous role, she experienced the industry at a broad level, dealing with marketing and compliance as well as setting up new structures, assisting with the drafting of trust deeds and incorporating companies. Laura is a qualified STEP member, with the Advanced Certificate in Trust Disputes and the Diploma in International Trust Management – both achieved with distinction. Laura also has a First Class LLB (Hons), which she completed while working full-time, and is a trustee of the Jersey Support Youth Charitable Trust, which provides support for vulnerable and at-risk young people in the island.
As part of the Channel Islands Top 35 Under 35, Sam, Rhuaridh and Laura will also be considered for the UK and Crown Dependencies version later in the year, thereby potentially joininga number of fellow First Names who have been recognised by this listing previously. First Names Group’s past ‘Top 35’ achievers are Paul Rondel (2016 and 2013), James Russell (2015), Paula Thompson (2014) and Robin McCauley (2014).
