With over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry in Jersey, Alice brings a wealth of expertise to her role as Head of Client Services.
A qualified accountant, she has built her career in client service across corporate and trust administration, client accounting, and the effective implementation and operation of complex tax matters, private trust company arrangements and litigation. Over the years, she has developed a deep understanding of private wealth management and the evolving needs of clients.
A Career Built on Experience and Adaptability
Like many in the financial services industry, Alice did not initially set out to build a career in trust and corporate services. After leaving school at 18, she first landed a trainee bookkeeping role at a small trust company.
"I started off doing everything from bookkeeping to helping with various office tasks," she recalls. "Such early exposure gave me a broad understanding of how the business worked."
Her natural aptitude for numbers led her to train as an accountant before transitioning into the trust team. “My first boss told me that the best trustees are accountants,” she recalls with a laugh, acknowledging that his own background may have influenced that perspective. That advice shaped her career as she progressed from a trainee Trust Officer right through to her current role, always focusing on delivering exceptional client service.
More recently, Alice spent eighteen years at a global trust administrator, where she played a strategic role in managing key client portfolios, strengthening risk controls, and improving operational efficiency. Rising to a board-level executive position over 10 years ago, she oversaw teams, assisted in the implementation of outsourcing initiatives, and led improvements in compliance and business processes. During this time, she also took on an interim Managing Director role, balancing strategic oversight with day-to-day client service operations.
Her career has extended beyond corporate leadership - she has served as a committee member for the Jersey Association of Trust Companies and continues this role representing Trident Trust. She has also contributed to Jersey Finance’s initiatives on industry education and spoken at conferences across the UK and Channel Islands.
Commitment to Community and Inclusion
Outside of work, Alice is passionate about community engagement. She sits on the Jersey Gymnastics Club committee and is an active member of the Jersey Boxing Academy, where she not only serves on the committee but also coaches. She made history as the first woman in Jersey to qualify as a Level One England Boxing accredited boxing coach and now runs a dedicated girls-only boxing class every Saturday, mentoring young athletes and fostering confidence in sport.
Her commitment to inclusivity extends beyond sport. A strong advocate for neurodiversity in the workplace, she has attended UK government conferences on the subject and believes in the importance of recognising individual strengths, adapting to challenges, and creating environments where everyone can thrive. “It is not about forcing people into a mould. It is about understanding what they need to succeed and helping them get there,” she says.
Joining Trident Trust: A New Chapter
As she steps into her role at Trident Trust, Alice is excited about the firm’s client-centric approach and global strength. “Trident Trust has a strong private wealth offering across its global offices," she explains. "Its independent ownership structure provides a stable platform for the business to focus on longer term growth, making Trident well placed to put their clients and staff first.”
Building Strong Client Relationships
For Alice, successful client relationships are built on clear and proactive communication. "Most client issues stem from a breakdown in communication. Avoiding difficult conversations and poor communication will inevitably give rise to frustrations for the client and their advisors." she says.
Her approach prioritises efficiency, balancing emails with direct, high-value conversations. “A chain of emails cannot replace picking up the phone when it comes to resolving issues or strengthening relationships.”
She is also focused on developing Trident Trust’s client engagement strategy, increasing face-to-face interactions to better understand clients’ needs. “Our goal is to ensure that our client conversations are meaningful and that we are providing solutions in the most efficient and cost-effective way possible.”
Jersey’s Private Wealth Landscape and Trident’s Positioning
Jersey remains one of the world’s leading international finance centres, with a 40-year history in trust law and a highly skilled professional network. “The island attracts premium talent across trust administration, legal advisory, investment, and tax planning. We have top-tier professionals in trust and company law, many of whom have chosen to build their careers here after working in magic circle UK firms,” she notes.
While Jersey’s regulatory framework is stringent, Alice sees it as a mark of quality. "Clients value the gold standard. When dealing with international business, they want a trusted jurisdiction, and Jersey provides that level of confidence.”
At Trident Trust, compliance and risk management are core priorities. “Our first line of defence is our client services team. We ensure they have the tools and knowledge to identify potential issues early,” she explains. “We also have a highly experienced compliance team, led by our Head of Compliance, Sabrina Stewart, whose expertise strengthens our robust regulatory approach.”
Embracing fintech solutions is another key focus. “Technology helps us enhance client experience while also reducing compliance risks. We are also actively engaged in legislative consultations, ensuring we stay ahead of regulatory changes.”
Advice for the Next Generation of Financial Professionals
For those starting out in the industry, Alice emphasises adaptability. “Finance is much broader than people realise – it is not just about the numbers. There are roles in compliance, marketing, business development, and HR, for example. It is an industry full of opportunities.”
She encourages professionals to embrace change. “This is a constantly evolving business, and change is never ‘finished.’ The ability to adapt and see opportunities is crucial.” Reflecting on her own journey, from the early stages of her career to becoming an industry leader, Alice shares a quote that resonates with her:
‘What if I fall? Oh, but my darling, what if you fly?’ - Erin Hanson
A reminder that stepping into the unknown often leads to the greatest successes.