Mark Pollock

How do you describe what you do?

I have over 20 years' experience in providing tax and financial planning, including cross-border planning. I specialise in dealing with families with complex financial affairs, helping them to navigate this complexity to achieve their objectives.

What's next for you professionally?

My client work provides such variety and intellectual challenge that I am motivated every day, but I am also keen to continue producing online technical content to reflect the growing demand to consume information through multiple platforms.

What's the best piece of advice you've ever been given?

Life is your responsibility.

What's an experience with a client that's stuck with you?

I was working on a transfer of family wealth. When the work was finished my client said she could now sleep at night. That moment stuck with me—it reminded me that behind every strategy, no matter how complex, is a person wanting to feel secure.

How did you start off in your career?

I started my career working in private client tax qualifying with KPMG in London. I was very fortunate to work with two industry leading tax partners from whom I learned an awful lot both technically and about client relationships.

What's your area of expertise?

I tend to deal with clients with significant financial complexity. I head the firm's international financial planning team and specialise in providing cross-border planning.

Where do you get your inspiration to embrace what's next?

I am a self-driven individual and whilst I am now experienced I love learning new stuff and developing new skills so I can continue to improve in the role I do.

What's your favourite thing about your role?

Two things. The natural variety, as every client is different and the pleasure that you get from building long-term relationships with clients and seeing them and their family grow as you help them through some of the complexities of life.

What's next for you personally?

Getting my son through his GCSEs this year and a trip Down Under to watch the Ashes.

Do you have a significant experience that your clients would want to hear about?

I am one of a very small handful of professionals in the UK who are qualified to Chartered status in both tax and financial planning.

Where's your favourite place to meet with your clients?

I like meeting clients where they are most comfortable, this can often be in their home, but equally in their office or mine.

When you're not at work, what's your favourite thing to do?

I love sport, playing, watching and now watching my kids playing and enjoying this as well whether its cricket, football, rugby, hockey, netball, golf, we seem to do it all.

Why does my role as a wealth manager matter?

The impact of my role goes beyond numbers and saving tax, I offer clarity, confidence and continuity to empower my clients to live with greater peace of mind with reference to their wealth.

What qualifications and memberships do you have?

• Fellow of the Personal Finance Society (FPFS)
• Member of the Chartered Institute of Taxation (CTA)
• Associate Member of the Society for Trust & Estate Practitioners (STEP)