Guernsey's private wealth expertise was brought into the spotlight with five Guernsey practitioners or firms winning honours at the 2019 Citywealth IFC Awards.

Two of the biggest individual awards of the night went to Guernsey experts. Managing Partner of law firm Mourant Jessica Roland was named Outstanding Individual of the Year. Judges cited her demonstration of "vision, intelligence and empathy" in her leadership role, with Citywealth Editor Karen Jones also paying tribute to her "inspiring and encouraging leadership of her co-workers".

Jessica, who was previously awarded 'Woman of the Year' at the Citywealth Power Women Awards in 2016, said this latest success was an honour and a highlight in her career to date.

She said: "It's also great recognition for all of those around me in the team at Mourant and testament to our belief of being greater than the sum of our parts. This sense of belonging to something impressive as a team stands out at moments like this. I couldn't have achieved this recognition without them."

Also achieving individual success was Carey Olsen Guernsey Managing Partner Russell Clark, who was named Channel Islands & Isle of Man Lawyer of the Year.

In addition to his latest accolade, Russell – who also heads up the trusts and private wealth practice in Guernsey – was recently named in the inaugural Legal 500 Hall of Fame, the Chambers and Partners 2018 High Net Worth Guide and selected in Legal Week's 2018 Private Client Global Elite list of the top private client lawyers in the world.

Three Guernsey firms were also recognised at the awards. Butterfield Trust was named Guernsey Trust Company of the Year for the second year running, having also recently being named 2018 Trust Company of the Year by STEP.

Head of Group Trust Bob Moore said: "Butterfield has been a leader in the provision of trust and fiduciary services for more than 80 years, and we continue to focus on the growth and development of our international trust network as a cornerstone of our business."

Julius Baer was selected as Channel Islands Private Bank of the Year. Managing Director and Head of Investment Management, Guernsey, Craig Allen said: "Private banking is fundamentally about building strong, long-term relationships and providing excellent service. Being recognised by the judging panel as being the best Private Bank in the Channel Islands is testament to the relationships that our staff have built with our clients over many years."

Collas Crill picked up the award for Guernsey Law Firm of the Year, having been recognised for its achievements across eight key areas including legal expertise and innovation, industry knowledge and experience, troubleshooting and tax solutions, leadership and development, client satisfaction, contribution to business success and contribution to the wider community.

Group Managing Partner Jason Romer said: "2018 was a significant year for the firm, one in which we have seen growth in our UK and international markets. We are well positioned to compete across all of our jurisdictions, serving clients wherever and whenever they do business."

The awards were established to highlights the excellence of advisers and managers in the private wealth sector in the major international finance centres. Judged by an international panel of highly respected practitioners from all private wealth sectors covering all the jurisdictions, winners are those judged to have excelled in achievement, innovation, expertise and service.

The awards ceremony took place at the Rosewood London Hotel on Wednesday 23 January and was attended by business leaders from across the UK.

For more information about Guernsey's finance industry please visit www.weareguernsey.com.

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