Craig Forbes
Director, Private Clients
Craig joined 7IM in 2021 and brought with him more than 20 years’ worth of industry experience. Craig has enjoyed working closely with a broad range of clients over many years, navigating markets to help them achieve financial success.
7 Questions with Craig
1. How did you get into wealth management?
After university, I joined Barclays Stockbrokers as a Graduate Trainee and spent a year working in different areas of the business before settling in the accounting department. Soon after, I decided accountancy was not the path for me and moved south to join the Barclays Private Client investment team. Interestingly, the senior management team at Barclays Stockbrokers left to set up a new investment firm… and 7IM was born. Almost 20 years later, I joined the firm.
2. What’s the biggest highlight of your career in wealth management?
Over the years, I have enjoyed spending time in various locations, having worked in Glasgow, London, Belfast and now Edinburgh. I suppose the biggest highlight was helping establish a Wealth Management office for Barclays in Northern Ireland. This was an exciting and rewarding time, as I got to build a team from the ground up and oversee the growth and development of a successful office.
3. What do you find most rewarding about managing people’s wealth?
It is a privilege to manage people’s wealth. The most rewarding part of that, without question, is being in a position of trust. With that trust comes responsibility and an understanding that there is an opportunity to help and guide people to work towards achieving their goals. Along with this comes the great pleasure of seeing clients achieve successful outcomes.
4. What’s the worst non-financial investment you’ve made?
Somewhat embarrassingly, I can’t think of a single one. My early accountancy training has tainted me with a degree of prudence that means I overthink and overanalyse virtually all decisions – according to my wife, that is!
5. If you could pick one financial habit for everyone to have, what would it be?
As the dad of two young people approaching the end of their studies, I am perhaps slightly tainted in my views here. However, I repeatedly try to bestow the importance of thinking beyond tomorrow and of developing the habit of saving – a little, or a lot – whatever your circumstances allow. Then sit back and embrace the power of compounding. All said in the context of making sure you enjoy the journey along the way, of course!
6. What are the most important skills in a wealth manager?
Integrity, empathy and understanding. In essence, treating clients and delivering the level of service you would like to experience yourself.
7. How important is it for business owners and entrepreneurs to have a personal financial plan in place throughout their lives?
Most of the business owners and entrepreneurs I deal with tend to be very knowledgeable and high functioning individuals. However, this doesn’t always naturally translate to being efficient with personal finances, particularly because in most cases, running a business absorbs high amounts of time and energy.
Consequently, it is important that all individuals commit the time to implement a plan. Having a professional in place to monitor progress and navigate the investment landscape will greatly enhance the likelihood of achieving successful personal financial goals.
