Philip Legrand

What attracted you to a career in financial planning?

I studied Economics at university but found myself drawn to the behavioural side of finance — understanding how people make decisions. With guidance from a mentor, I focused on working directly with individuals. Over time, I realised I had a natural ability to empathise with clients, especially during pivotal life moments such as selling a business, navigating divorce, or coping with the decline of a loved one.

My career began in banking, working with international high-net-worth clients, but I ultimately wanted to concentrate on helping local clients create meaningful financial plans. After a period of working independently, I joined the Financial Planning team at Quilter Cheviot International — a perfect fit that allows me to advise clients in a way that truly aligns with their goals.

How do you approach your role on a daily basis?

My role is to help private clients understand how they can achieve their goals and, most importantly, live the life they want.

This starts with an in-depth conversation about their values, current situation, and aspirations. Once I have a clear picture, I develop a tailored plan and, where appropriate, recommend an investment structure to support it.

Collaboration is key — I work closely with our exceptional investment managers to ensure portfolios are constructed to help clients reach their objectives.

What are your interests outside of work?

Family time is my priority—I love spending time with my wife and two daughters. Living in Jersey means I can enjoy the island's beautiful trails, especially along the North Coast, and when I get the chance, I indulge my passion for surfing (albeit badly!).

We also love skiing and exploring new places. In fact, I spent six months travelling through Central and South America in 2021 — a story that often comes up in conversation.