Diary of a private banker

At the start of the year, Barclays wisely decided to re-integrate the wealth and private banking businesses, reversing that disastrous ring-fencing policy dating back to 2017.

My bank’s clientele are starting to get awfully excited about the opportunities available in the emerging metaverse, which is basically a network of 3D virtual worlds focused on social connection.

St James’s Place seemingly remains the City public enemy No 1 in the media, with fresh accusations this week that it continues  to steam along happily as a “gravy train” serving top perks for top managers.

London is the favoured home of many of the international super-wealthy, helping make it such a glittering capital. Long may this remain so.

When I was just a young whipper-snapper, just starting off in the City and only knee-high to even Rishi Sunak, I was given sage advice – ‘Never trust Greeks, or investment bankers, bearing gifts.’

Hardly a week goes by when you don’t learn about a new controversy or naughtiness revealed at the hapless Credit Suisse.

One of the wealth industry’s stalwarts, Richard Charnock, has decided to depart as the boss of the Abrdn discretionary management business.

Back in the day, Merrill Lynch used to be called “The Thundering Herd,” a reflection of its heavyweight presence in investment markets.

There can be little doubt that Coutts is the leading private bank serving the wealthy in the music, entertainment and sports fields.

Two claims about M&A in wealth management have been circulating of late that just won’t die away.