Heroes Work Here: Mark Cleary

In this edition of Heroes Work Here, we meet Mark Cleary the director of ZEDRA Jersey.

In your own words, tell us a little bit about yourself

I am a dedicated family man, blessed with two healthy children and a very patient wife! I was born in the Chinese year of the Rat and some of the characteristics of the rat definitely hold true with me. Some of my key strengths are adaptability, self-discipline and logic while one of my supposed weaknesses (not sure I agree with it though) is a conservative streak. I am a big rugby fan (go Jersey!) and a keen armchair MMA fan. Professionally, I am a newly minted Chartered Director, a CFA charter holder an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Bankers. My latest professional interest is Green Finance and ESG investing.

What inspires you?

Seeing great teamwork in action is definitely inspirational to me. I am also constantly inspired by ordinary people who struggle with something, whatever that may be, and yet they persist and through sheer hard work and determination manage to be successful. The power of the human spirit is immense.

What piece of advice would you give your 20-year-old self?

I don’t think my 20-year-old self would listen, but I would definitely encourage him to start a pension as soon as possible. I missed out on attending university – later doing a degree through distance learning at the University of Manchester – so I would encourage him to go to university and to study a STEM subject.

What single achievement are you most proud of?

Seeing my children grow and develop into kind and caring people is something I am incredibly proud about. It is more their achievement than mine, but I unashamedly bask in it nonetheless. Professionally, getting through the CFA programme was arduous, so this is also something I am proud of achieving.

How do you think the industry will change in the next 5 years?

In the “funds” world, I think automation will improve and we may see some impact from AI technologies in this space. This will allow the industry to increase its productivity and also create an environment to service its clients better. Blockchain technologies may also start to play a bigger role within the industry as it becomes more integrated and mainstream. I also hope e-CDD is widely accepted! What I don’t think will ever change is the need for personal relationships built on trust, integrity and service.

What jobs and experiences have led you to your present position?

I have spent my entire career working in or around the “funds” industry for both blue-chip and boutique names and have experienced it from many different vantage points. This has given me a broad view of the industry and deep experience which I can draw on to assist in servicing our clients at ZEDRA.

What makes ZEDRA unique in the industry? What does ZEDRA offer clients that our competitors don’t?

The people I work with are diverse and it’s also a fun place to work. We have a healthy learning environment, encourage robust discussion and challenge and learn from each other. The funds team is small but has a great micro-culture. These ingredients are all crucial to creating a team that serves its clients exceedingly well.

For more information, please contact Mark Cleary