Barclays Wealth strengthens captive team as business increases

Thursday 26 August 2010

Jo Walker (middle) and Claire Blondel (right). They are pictured with manager Dave Bartram and Laura Malden

Barclays Wealth has strengthened its captive team and is reviewing its processes to meet the needs of its growing client base.

The Guernsey-based team has appointed Jo Walker and Claire Blondel as relationship managers. They join manager Dave Bartram and the team is supported by Laura Malden.

‘The first six months of 2010 have seen a change in the captives team personnel but in order to continue providing the personal service which our clients have come to expect, we have added to the team and so we’re delighted to welcome Jo and Claire as relationship managers,’ said George Smith, Barclays Wealth vice-president and head of Guernsey Captives.

‘We have also consulted with some of our clients and for the near future our focus is on streamlining our processes to make it even easier to do business with us.’

Mr Smith said that the team works with all Guernsey-based captive insurance managers and provides a wide range of services.

‘Our services range from day to day banking requirements through to the management of surplus cash using our in-house treasury team, headed by Michelle Falla, and provision of Letters of Credit, so it’s important that we have the right team in place with the right expertise and experience. The team also has access to other specialists within the Barclays group should it be necessary which means that clients can benefit from having a holistic approach through their relationship manager.’

Miss Walker and Mr Bartram will manage clients on a daily basis whilst Miss Blondel will have responsibility for managing the credit element of the letters of credit service. Miss Walker has previously worked for Barclays in the UK and Guernsey for 18 years and recently returned to company, Mr Bartram has worked for Barclays for more than 25 years and Miss Blondel has been with the company for 13 years.

‘We are looking at further growth in client numbers and value from both on-island and off-island business opportunities and the team numbers will in turn reflect that. We are currently researching the potential opportunities for our clients such as substituting traditional Letters of Credit for more modern vehicles namely Security Trust Agreements,’ said Mr Bartam.

‘We are constantly enhancing our approach to the captive sector in response to feedback and ever changing market conditions to ensure we are viewed as a business partner and not a mere service provider. The Barclays Wealth Captive team is well placed to provide a high standard of service and solutions.’

The expansion of the captive team comes just weeks after Barclays Wealth strengthened its corporate team and Ken Bradley, Director, Wealth Intermediaries and Wealth International, Barclays Wealth, Guernsey said this was a very positive trend.

‘Barclays Wealth continues to expand the number of front-office roles across the island as demand for our services continues. This is a positive reflection on the company and on the economy as a whole. To continue meeting the needs of our customers we are always keen to discuss opportunities with those who wish to work for a dynamic and ambitious company such as Barclays Wealth. We have many role available at present, largely as a result of expansion and promotion,’ he said.