Women in Leadership: Spotlight on Katrina Drewer

How did you get into the industry?

Having a background in sport, I have always believed that dedication, teamwork, and discipline are key to success, regardless of industry. This belief has profoundly influenced my approach to work within funds, and throughout my career spanning over 20 years, working in the financial services industry.

Prior to starting my career in finance, I spent the majority of my teenage years travelling with my Waveski surfboard and was one of the top female Waveski surfers in Europe – competing in two world championships and making the top 10 on both occasions.

As my surfing career was coming to an end, I was introduced to the world of finance which included providing structures for successful sports individual looking at wealth planning for their future. Successful sporting careers often have a limited life span, and planning for a secure future is key.

Although I have had a varied client portfolio over the years, I have particularly enjoyed assisting private clients and entrepreneurs from the Middle East with assets including property portfolios, superyachts and structured investment products.

What has been a key learning in your career?

I learnt early on in my career to continuously prioritise ‘impact, measurement and transparency’.

Understanding and effectively measuring the impact of whatever my team and I do for clients is vital to ensuring we are aiming high for clients and improving all the time. Investors, donors, and stakeholders are increasingly focused on tangible outcomes – together with maintaining open lines of communication.

What would you say to someone considering a career in your industry?

Building relationships can provide invaluable insights, opportunities and career development – even at the very start of your journey.

One of the best ways to get a deep understanding of the financial services industry and the everyday challenges clients are looking to overcome is to connect with professionals in the space. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there – attend conferences, networking events and local meetups to build your own network and seek out opportunities.

What are the opportunities and challenges you’re seeing in the industry?

Fund administration plays a role in the financial ecosystem, providing services to investment funds, asset managers and institutional investors. The industry faces a number of challenges that can impact on operations, and staying ahead of the curve means you can make informed decisions quickly for the benefit of clients.

Evolving regulation, data management, technical and digital transformation, adopting new technologies and automation are all priorities for fund administrators. Although there are a number of challenges, there is huge reward in getting it right and adding value.

To find out more about the ways in which Katrina and our team of Funds experts support clients in Jersey and throughout the Channel Islands and beyond, get in touch.