Stephen Irwin

What attracted you to a career in wealth management?

My fascination with the world of stock markets and investing drew me towards a career in wealth management. After completion of a degree in Mechanical engineering, I began my career as a mechanical and aeronautical design engineer. Although I found this work interesting, my growing passion for financial markets and investments quickly steered me towards investment management.

I began my career in financial services with Kerr Henderson, a financial advisory firm based in Belfast. There, I worked with both the private client and corporate teams, focusing on high-net-worth individuals, families, and corporate pension schemes. Over time, I took on the responsibility for overseeing and managing the firm's investment proposition, which included conducting investment research and serving as an in-house investment specialist. In June 2024, I joined Quilter Cheviot to advance my career in investment management while also taking on a more client-facing role.

The part of the job I enjoy most is building client relationships and collaborating with other professionals to deliver the best possible outcomes for clients.

What would you like to achieve for clients

My aim is to fully understand what each client hopes to achieve by investing, and to help them navigate both the opportunities and potential risks along the way. I focus on constructing portfolios that reflect individual goals and circumstances, are easy to understand, and perform in line with expectations.

I value building strong relationships and work closely with other professionals to address clients' broader needs. Trust is a privilege, and I strive to honour it in every relationship.

What are your interests outside of work?

Outside of work, I cherish spending time with my wife and young son. Our weekends often include outdoor walks, which are a wonderful way to recharge after a busy week.

When time permits, I enjoy playing golf, squash, and hiking in the Mourne mountains. Equally, I find joy in the simple pleasures of life, such as enjoying a good coffee and listening to a podcast.