Meet the team

Julie-Ann Ashcroft moved to Aberdeen Standard Capital following the acquisition of the Newton private client business in 2013 and became Head of Investments in April 2017. She manages private client portfolios and is the lead manager of the Balanced Bridge and Income funds and Charity Income Strategies as well as leading on Responsible Investment proposition. Julie-Ann joined Newton in 2007 as a portfolio manager from Mellon Global Investment where she worked as a performance analyst. Julie-Ann is a CFA Charterholder and a Member of the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investments. She completed four years of PhD research at Imperial College, London after graduating from Sheffield University.

Dexter is a Charities Portfolio Manager having joined Aberdeen Standard Capital in 2016. Dexter works on the management of investment portfolios for a diverse range of charities, private clients and trusts.

Dexter is a specialist on ethical investing and chairs the ESG & Ethical advisory group for the business. Dexter graduated from the University of Nottingham with a first class degree in Industrial Economics. Dexter is a CFA candidate, a holder of the Investment Management Certificate, and a member of the Chartered Financial Analyst Society of the UK.

Gair Brisbane has over 20 years’ experience in the charity sector as a volunteer and charity Director. Gair moved into investment management in 2011 to specialise in charity investments and joined the Aberdeen Standard Capital Charity Team in 2016.

Gair holds the Investment Management Certificate, the Investment Advisers Diploma, the Private Client Investment Advice and Management and is a Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment. Prior to Financial Services Gair spent six years commissioned in the Royal Air Force.

Gair is a graduate of Aberdeen University, and his involvement in the charities sector in Scotland extends to his role as a trustee of the Officers’ Association Scotland where he also sits on the Finance and Investment committee. Gair maintains a particular interest in conservation and youth development and is a member of the Scottish Charity Finance Group.

Richard is CEO of Aberdeen Standard Capital (formerly Standard Life Wealth). He joined Standard Life in February 2007 with a brief to create and launch Standard Life Wealth to the market. Richard has overseen the growth of the business, which is recognised as a major provider of discretionary fund management in the UK Wealth management sector. Richard is also a non-executive director of HDFC International Life and RE Company, a Dubai based JV.

Immediately before joining Standard Life, Richard was CEO of Williams de Broe and prior to that he was CEO of Lloyds TSB Private Banking, Lloyds TSB IFA and Lloyds TSB Stockbrokers.

Richard is a board director and Fellow of the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investments and chairs the CISI Ethics and Integrity Committee. He is also a member of the Worshipful Company of International Bankers and the Cornhill Club. He served with the British army in the mid 1980s and holds an honours degree in Geography from the University of Durham.

Mike heads up the Aberdeen Standard Capital Edinburgh office with responsibility for a team of six Portfolio Managers. He has been with Aberdeen Standard Capital since 2013, having previously headed up Newton's private client and charity team in Edinburgh prior to its move to Aberdeen Standard Capital.

Mike has over 25 years’ experience in investment management. His responsibilities also include managing investment portfolios on behalf of charities and family groups. An Economics graduate of Heriot-Watt University, Mike holds an MBA from the University of Edinburgh and is a Member of the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment.

Mike is a former trustee of the Life Changes Trust, a charity supporting young people with experience of being in care and people affected by dementia. He remains a member of the Charity’s Finance Committee.

Location Jersey

Tim joined the Aberdeen Standard Capital International (ASCI) team, following the merger of Aberdeen Private Wealth Management (APWM) with ASCI.

Based in Jersey, Tim is an Executive Director and Head of Operations and Oversight for the Aberdeen Standard Capital International business. He brings 40 years' experience in Corporate Banking, Investment and Fund Management to the team.

Prior to his current position and earlier Operations Director role with APWM, he held senior positions with lnsinger de Beaufort International Limited  (formerly Matheson Investment International Limited) and with Citibank in Jersey and Dublin.

Tim is a non-executive director of the Aberdeen Standard Capital Offshore Strategy Fund (ASCOSF).

Married with one daughter, outside of work Tim enjoys mountain biking, watching motor sport, and spending time with his family's rescued Shetland ponies and other pets of which they have many.

Andy joined in April 2018 as Head of Change and has accountability for all project delivery impacting Aberdeen Standard Capital. From June 2020 his responsibilities increased to include Operations and Technology provision alongside Change. Andy leads the Operations and Change Teams across ASC and is responsible for providing strategic direction and leadership in this key area of the business.

Andy has over 20 years of Industry experience and previously worked for Standard Life Investments for three years as a Programme Director running a number of strategic projects and before that AEGON UK for 16 years in a variety of Change and Delivery roles.

Andy holds an honours degree from Aberdeen University in Geography and Geology and holds the Investment Management Certificate (IMC).

David is joint Managing Director at Aberdeen Standard Capital (formerly Standard Life Wealth). David joined from Lloyds Banking Group in 2010. At Lloyds David was Director of the bank's ultra high net worth private client business, and a member of the Executive Management committee of Lloyds Private Banking for more than five years. David has built a broad range of experience over many years in finance and investment related roles, and specifically held business leadership roles within private banking and discretionary fund management over the last 20 years.

During this time he has led investment and relationship teams serving high net worth clients, ensuring a clear focus on the needs of the clients remains foremost. He is an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Bankers (now IFS), a Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment and holds an honours degree in Managerial and Administrative Studies from Aston University.

Lisa joined following the acquisition of the Newton private client business in 2013. She manages a team of 50 client portfolio managers assistants and client team administrators across all five office locations and is responsible for all aspects of client administration.

Lisa joined Newton in 1996 and worked in a number of roles including the Client Reporting and Client Static Data team, having also previously worked at Coutts and Co. private bank. She has over 20 years of operational industry experience and holds the Investment Management Certificate.

Laurence manages portfolios for charities, private clients, trusts and pensions. Prior to joining the business in 2013, Laurence was with Barclays Wealth and Investment Management, where he was an Investment Analyst in London and Singapore before assuming the position of Portfolio Manager.

A graduate of Durham University, Laurence is a CFA Charterholder and holds the Investment Management. He is an active member and ambassador of the Chartered Financial Analyst Society of the UK. Outside of his professional responsibilities, Laurence is a Trustee for a grant-making charity which aims to support the wellness of (former) employees and their families.

Alastair joined in September 2010. Based in our Birmingham office, he is responsible for managing conventional, bespoke and targeted return portfolios for private clients, pensions and trusts. He has been in the regulated financial services industry since 1994. Alastair has 15 years of investment management experience.

Previously Alastair was a Senior Client Portfolio Manager at Lloyds Private Banking in Birmingham where he managed portfolios for Ultra High Net worth private clients, charities, trusts and pensions on both a discretionary and non-discretionary basis.

Alastair holds the Investment Advice Diploma (Securities) and the Certificate in Financial Planning. He is a Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment.

Barry has 24 years of experience in the investment industry managing and advising on portfolios for Trustees and private clients, having joined Aberdeen Standard Capital from Enhance Wealth Consultancy Limited. Barry has also held senior positions at Canaccord Genuity, Royal Bank of Canada and Matheson Investments.

He holds the Level 6 Private Client Investment Advice and Management exam, the Investment Management Certificate and is a member of the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment. He graduated from Chester University with an Honours degree in History and Geography.

Richard joined following the acquisition of the Newton private client business in 2013 and manages portfolios for private clients, trusts and pensions. He joined Newton in 2000, having spent ten years with the Bank of Scotland where he specialised in the management of family trusts. He has over 13 years of investment experience, is a Member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers in Scotland, holds the Investment Management Certificate and the Securities Institute Diploma and is a Member of the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment.

Gregg is Head of Private Clients for both our Birmingham and Bristol offices. A Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment, Gregg joined Standard Life Wealth (now Aberdeen Standard Investments) in 2010 from Lloyds Private Banking. He has worked in Financial Services for 21 years, with the majority of those as an investment manager responsible for managing the affairs of both private and corporate clients. Originally from Bristol, Gregg moved to Birmingham for University and having achieved a BA (Hons) degree, continues to live locally whilst retaining strong links with the South West.

Adam joined as a Client Portfolio Manager in October 2018 after 4 years with J Edward Sellars Ltd. Whilst there, he was their Senior Investment Manager working on the Advisory Managed side of the business. A Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment, Adam is originally from Plymouth and moved to Nottingham in 2010 to attend University where he gained a BA (Hons) degree, before moving back to the South West (Bristol) in 2015.

Tony joined in 2013 as a Senior Client Portfolio Manager from a large wealth management arm of a high street bank. He has extensive experience in financial services spanning over 30 years and is responsible for the management of private client, trust, charity and pension portfolios. Tony is a chartered fellow of the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment and is a chartered member of the Chartered Insurance Institute.

Clare joined following the acquisition of the Newton private client business in 2013 and manages portfolios for international private clients. She joined Newton in 2013 from HSBC Private Bank where she managed globally diversified portfolios across all asset classes. Clare has 15 years of investment experience, she holds the Private Client Investment and Management diploma and the Investment Management Certificate, has passed the Securities Representative Exams, is a Member of the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment and has a BA in European Business Economics.

Julie joined as a Charities Specialist in 2015 and has over 20 years of experience across law, investments, tax and charity governance. After graduating with a First in Law from the University of Edinburgh and qualifying as a lawyer, Julie specialised in trusts and private client work, including philanthropy and the creation and management of charities. As the Charities Specialist at Aberdeen Standard Capital, Julie supports charity boards on governance and policy matters, in particular relating to a charity’s investment policy statement. She has particular expertise in ethics and investment policy issues, and co-authored the Scottish Charity Regulator’s first investment guidance in 2018. Julie is currently on a part-time Secondment in 2019 to the Scottish Government to Chair its Review of the Governance of NHS Endowment Funds in Scotland.

Julie is a former charity trustee and sits on the Finance Committee of Lake District Calvert Trust. She is a member of STEP and holds its TEP Diploma accreditation. Aside from her role at Aberdeen Standard Capital, Julie is involved in a range of education and training projects, including her role as Founding Editor of The Informed Trustee, the first online charity trustee training programme with structured support for charity trustees in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and England and Wales.

Location Jersey

Andrew joined the Aberdeen Standard Capital International (ASCI) team, following the merger of Aberdeen Private Wealth Management (APWM) with ASCI.

He manages investment portfolios for private clients, trustees, family offices and charities. Andrew brings over 30 years of investment knowledge and experience to our international client base, including being a member of various boards and investment committees of regulated organisations.

Prior to his current position and earlier Investment Manager role with APWM, he was previously employed at Asset Risk Consultants, Cenkos (CI), Kleinwort Benson and Merrill Lynch Asset Management.

Andrew is a Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment and a Chartered Wealth Manager. He is a holder of the Securities & Investment - Private Client Investment Advice & Management Certificate (PCIAM), the Securities & Investment - Investment Advice Diploma (IAD) and the Investment Management Certificate (IMC).

Outside of work, Andrew is a committee member for Jersey Cancer Relief, a local charity offering financial assistance to local people affected by cancer. He has three teenage children, is a keen runner and enjoys travelling and sporting challenges such as climbing Kilimanjaro and the 3 Peaks Challenge.

Craig joined from Cornelian Asset Managers in 2010. Craig is responsible for the management of private client, charity and defined benefit pension schemes portfolios. Craig holds the Investment Management Certificate, the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment Diploma and is a Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment.

Eric works with Darren Ripton on the day to day management of Target Return and is the lead manager on our Managed Portfolio Service. He has over 9 years investment experience and joined in September 2007. Prior to joining, Eric worked at UBS Wealth Management and ABN Amro Private Bank. Eric holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from University of Stellenbosch as well as post graduate degrees in Financial Accounting and Financial Analysis & Portfolio Management. He holds the Investment Management Certificate and is a CFA Charterholder.

Mark joined following the acquisition of the Newton private client business in 2013 and manages portfolios for private clients, trusts and pensions. He joined Newton in 1999 after spending 15 years with Clerical Medical Investment Group. Mark has over 28 years of investment experience, holds the Financial Planning Certificate, the Private Client Investment Advice and Management diploma, the Investment Management Certificate and is a Member of the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investments.

Sean joined in June 2017 from Old Mutual Wealth, where he was a Business Development Director. Prior to this, he held various positions within Standard Life Group, including Investment Sales Director at Standard Life Middle East based in The United Arab Emirates.

With more than 20 years' experience in the sector, Sean is a proven Financial Services business leader. Sean is Chartered Insurer, an Associate of the Chartered Insurance Institute and also holds their diploma in financial planning. Sean holds the Investment Management Certificate from the CFA Society and The International Certificate in Wealth and Investment Management from the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment.

Alan joined in October 2006 from Scottish Life where he worked as a consultant directly with financial intermediaries for over seven years. Having spent over seven years as an account manager at Standard Life, Alan moved to the Standard Life Wealth (now Aberdeen Standard Capital) business development team in April 2014. With 15 years' experience dealing exclusively through the financial intermediary channel, Alan has a real understanding and appreciation of the financial planning sector.

Alan holds a diploma in financial planning, is a director of a local charity and sits on their management committee.

John joined Aberdeen Standard Capital in September 2010 based in our Birmingham office, is responsible for managing the complete range of portfolios for private clients, pensions and trusts. Prior to this, John was a Senior Private Banking Manager with Lloyds Private Banking and was responsible for managing the discretionary portfolios of high net worth private clients, trusts and charities. John has over 30 years of experience in financial services and the wealth management industry and a strong track record in establishing long lasting client relationships. He is a Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment, whilst also holding a Diploma in Investment Advice and a Certificate in Financial Planning.

Toby joined from Barclays Wealth in July 2012, where he was a Discretionary Portfolio Manager responsible for financial professionals, charities and private individuals. Toby graduated in 2000 with a BEng in Civil Engineering from the University of Nottingham and later that year started his career at a London stockbroker. He went on to become a discretionary manager at Smith & Williamson, where he was also responsible for equity and fund research. He subsequently managed client portfolios at Bestinvest and is a Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment.

Rob Richardson joined Aberdeen Standard Capital in 2014. Rob has day-to-day responsibility for managing portfolios for private clients, working closely with a number of financial advisers. Rob is a an Associate member of the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI).

Scott joined as a Client Portfolio Manager in 2013 after seven years with Sanlam Private Investments. Whilst at Sanlam, he worked on both the equities and fixed interest desks as well as managing a sizeable number of private client portfolios. Scott has an MSc in Finance from the University of Strathclyde and is a Member of the CFA Institute.

Mark has been based in Jersey for his entire working career and he has developed a network of contacts from the trust industry in Jersey, Guernsey, Isle of Man and Switzerland. He is a member of CISI and recently passed the Private Client Investment Advice and Management Level 6 qualification.

Shona joined as Head of Business Management and Strategy in 2016 responsible for business planning and budgeting, governance, management information and coordinating strategy.

Previously Shona worked with Lloyds Banking Group in a variety of roles including strategic projects and relationship management and latterly was a Senior Area Manager in the Mid Markets business, Commercial Banking.

Shona holds an honours degree in Mathematics and Finance from Heriot Watt University, is a qualified Chartered Banker, is a Member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers in Scotland and holds the Investment Management Certificate.

Location: Bristol

Jim joined in May 1998 from Axa Sun Life where he worked as a broker consultant in the Birmingham office. Jim has spent the last 16 years as an Account Manager at Standard Life working exclusively with Financial Planners. In the last five years Jim has worked in the wealth management sector, working closely with advisers to help them to transition their business successfully into a post-RDR landscape. Jim moved to Standard Life Wealth (now named Aberdeen Standard Capital) in April 2014. With 18 years' experience in the financial intermediary channel, Jim has a real understanding and appreciation of the financial planning sector and the regulatory and commercial challenges modern investment and advisory businesses face. Jim is an Associate of the Chartered Insurance Institute and holds the Diploma in Financial Planning.

Location: Leeds

Charlie joined in August 2016 having spent nearly eight years at Brewin Dolphin. He graduated in 1998 with a 1st class honours degree from Leeds University before starting his career in the city. He has 18 years of investment experience, is a Chartered Wealth Manager and fellow of the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment.

Location: London

Caroline is joint Managing Director at Aberdeen Standard Capital (formerly Standard Life Wealth), having joined following the acquisition of the Newton private client business in 2013.

Caroline joined Newton in 1998 and was head of the private client team and a board member. Having begun her career as a private client portfolio manager, Caroline subsequently became the lead manager of flagship private client funds and also managed a number of private investment vehicles and portfolios. She joined Newton from Ernst & Young where she trained as a Chartered Accountant.

Caroline has over 18 years of investment experience, is a CFA charter holder, a Chartered Accountant, a Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment and has gained the ASIP designation. In addition, she holds an honours degree in Economics from Emmanuel College, Cambridge.

Location: London

Ben joined following the acquisition of the Newton private client business in 2013. He manages portfolios for private clients, trusts and pensions and is the lead manager on the Bridge and Phoenix Funds. Ben has over eight years of investment experience building upon his five years as an accountant. Ben graduated from the University of Leicester, holds the Investment Management Certificate, is a Chartered Management Accountant, is an Associate of the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investments and is a CFA Charterholder.

Johnathan joined in May 2013 as a Consultant to support the Newton acquisition and has been Central Operations Manager since November 2015.

He is responsible for the Service Management & Oversight, Operational Control & Reporting and Investment Operations & Dealing teams. Johnathan has over 15 years' experience in the investment management industry, having previously worked at JP Morgan, Franklin Templeton, State Street and Aegon.

Johnathan holds an honours degree in Business Studies from Edinburgh University and holds the Investment Administration Qualification from the CISI.

Location: London

Will joined from Ashcourt Rowan Asset Management in 2015. At Aberdeen Standard Capital, Will works closely with colleagues managing investment portfolios for private clients, trusts and pension schemes. He is a Chartered Wealth Manager, he holds the CISI Diploma in Wealth Management, the Investment Management Certificate and is a Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment.