The eprivateclient 50 Most Influential is the definitive rankings of the key players in the UK and offshore private client practitioner sector.
To showcase the achievements of those listed this year and to get to know them a bit better, eprivateclient has begun publishing a series of Q&As with our 2021 50 Most Influentials.
Today we hear from Nancy Chien, partner and recently promoted-head of international private client at offshore law firm Bedell Cristin. Fluent in English, Mandarin Chinese and Taiwanese, Nancy has extensive experience in a wide range of offshore matters in both the private client area as well as the corporate sphere. In the private client context, Nancy advises ultra-high net worth families, family offices and intermediaries on all aspects of private client structuring including the use of trusts and foundations, as well as related corporate law issues (including where such vehicles are used for philanthropic purposes).
What have been your proudest personal/team achievements this year?
Becoming the head of Bedell Cristin's international private client team.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Always give your best but remember to stay positive. The journey is just as important as the end goal.
What do you find most rewarding about your role?
Mentoring a team of young ladies whose natural disposition is to doubt themselves. I feel that I have given them guidance and support to improve their confidence in order to deal with difficult matters, whether arising in a work context or more generally. Even though they might not necessarily appreciate the skills they are acquiring in the moment, but I believe that confidence and resilience are important skills which will assist them with whatever they end up doing.
What challenges do you see your firm/clients facing in 2021?
The economic uncertainty will continue to be the main challenge for many clients. This will have a knock on effect for our work.
What does being named a 50 Most Influential mean to you?
I feel extremely humbled and privileged to have been named a 50 Most Influential. It is a reflection of all the hard work my team has put in, so I see it as recognition for the whole team, rather than just myself.
What is the favourite part of your job?
Seeing my team develop new skills and confidence so that they feel happy and a sense of purpose in their roles.
What made you choose to focus on private client work?
I have had experience in both corporate and private client work. I decided to focus on the private client work as I feel that with my skill set, I can help the clients with a broad range of personal issues, whether involving more emotional matters such as conflicts with family members, or the more financial aspects such as devising investment and asset protection structures. I like the fact that I can use different skill sets in my work and make a positive difference to people's lives.
What book/luxury item would you want with you on a desert island?
Sisley blackrose cream mask (to protect my skin from the sun). I am a pragmatist.
If you were not in (and it is not) your current role, what would be your dream job?
Being the owner of a large multi-billion business like facebook.
What’s your favourite hobbies/passions/interests outside of work?
Being on holiday with the family.
What one piece of advice has benefited you the most in your career?
Work is not a sprint but a marathon, it's important to enjoy the process.
