David Gardner was there at the beginning of SJP’s entry to the Asia market, playing a vital role in the firm’s expansion in Singapore. Now, he’s at the forefront of SJP’s new chapter in Dubai. 

David

Meet David Gardner

Over the past decade, St. James’s Place has experienced many milestone moments during its international expansion. For most of those, David Gardner has been right at the centre. The Senior Partner in the Asia & Middle East business was there at the beginning of SJP’s entry to the Asia market, playing a vital role in the firm’s expansion in Singapore. Now, he’s at the forefront of SJP’s new chapter in Dubai.

Originally from Lancaster, David’s journey from the UK to Singapore was driven by a desire to live overseas, experience something new, and escape the famous British weather. After years working as a financial adviser in Manchester, he moved to Singapore in 2011, enjoying the culture, lifestyle and work advising people on their long-term financial plans. Shortly after he arrived in Singapore, SJP took over his employer, marking a new chapter for the firm and the adviser.

“When I was in Manchester, I actually had a chance to move to SJP, but at the time, I really wanted to move to Singapore,” he explains. “Then, after a couple of years out there, SJP became my employer! So I guess it was meant to be!”

David Gardner

Building a life and a business abroad

David

David and his wife Lucy settled quickly in Singapore, eventually gaining residency and starting a family. David’s big character and affable personality set him apart, with the firm leaning on his personalised advice and experience in the UK and Asia. Over the years, he has played an important role in establishing the SJP brand in Singapore, advising an array of clients from different backgrounds on their wealth plans, spanning multiple jurisdictions across international borders.

After years as a driving force in the SJP Singapore community, an opportunity arose for David to join SJP in its newest location — the Middle East. Two years ago, SJP Middle East received regulatory approval from the Dubai Financial Services Authority, paving the way for David to move to the new SJP office in the Dubai International Financial Centre.

David

A new chapter in the Middle East

As one of the Founding Partners of the Dubai business, David sees similarities between the early days of SJP Asia and the new business in Dubai. 

“Some of the early challenges when establishing the business reminded me of years ago in Singapore,” he says. 

Dubai has been a perfect fit for David, with many existing clients moving to the rapidly growing economic hub. His family are enjoying the lifestyle, sunshine and fast-paced environment. 

“It’s a very similar lifestyle to Singapore in many ways. We’re so used to expat life that making the move was easy,” he says. “It feels like the world is moving here. Each week, clients are referring me to people who are moving here. It’s an exciting place to be.”

“Unlike the Asia business, we’re starting from scratch in Dubai. But it’s another amazing opportunity in such a growth market.”

David Gardner

Supporting globally mobile clients

David divides his time between his base in Dubai and his old home in Singapore, often dealing with internationally-mobile clients with complex wealth plans. 

“I really enjoy helping British people make the most of being offshore,” David says. “It could be in Singapore, it could be in Dubai, but structuring their savings and investments so their assets are working as hard as possible for them is truly humbling. So that they are in the best possible position, whether they decide to go back to the UK or stay in sunnier shores.” 

As a globe-trotting financial adviser balancing video calls and international meetings, he says his experience with international clients has shaped his advice approach. 

“When I first started in Singapore, I was 30 and only had UK experience,” he adds. “Now I’m 44 and also regulated in Singapore and the UAE. I think my background adds a lot of value to the client experience.” 

From his new home in Dubai, David is once again right at the heart of the action as SJP embraces a new frontier.

This is just one client’s story and each situation is unique. The advice given to Alistair was provided after a full evaluation of specific needs, circumstances and requirements, and was correct at the time it was given. The solutions provided may not be suitable for everyone, and the information provided here does not constitute advice. 

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