Seccl, the Octopus-owned custodian and platform technology provider, has strengthened its adviser services team with a trio of experienced industry professionals – who bring nearly 70 years combined of financial services experience from Raymond James, Standard Life Aberdeen (Abrdn) and Sanlam UK.
Hamish Warnock, Chair of the Chartered Institute of Securities & Investments (CISI) Wealth Management Forum Committee and former Senior Relationship Manager at Raymond James, has joined as Partner Launch Lead. He will support advisers and DFMs in the launch of their own platform using Seccl’s API-powered custody and investment technology. Hamish will lead a dedicated team that provides in-depth support and guidance to advice firms looking to operate a platform for the first time.
Michelle Angell has joined as Relationship Manager Lead from Standard Life Aberdeen (Abrdn), where she served as Platform Oversight Manager. Prior to Abrdn, Michelle spent nearly ten years at Winterflood Business Services, most recently as Head of Business Control and Head of Operations and Client Services. Michelle will accelerate the building and cultivating of ongoing adviser relationships, supporting firms as they continue to power an investment proposition using Seccl’s technology.
Chris Hicks joins in January as Client Services Lead, bringing with him nearly 30 years of financial services experience – most recently as Head of New Business and Client Operations at Sanlam UK. As well as leading the day-to-day operations of the company’s client services team, Chris will be responsible for refining and driving Seccl’s customer service infrastructure. The development of this role will strengthen Seccl’s commitment to providing industry-leading customer service, supporting firms as they improve their overall client experience, and build more efficient, affordable and sustainable businesses in the process.
Hamish, Michelle and Chris are just a few of the many hires that Seccl has made since it was acquired by Octopus Group in September 2019 – a period that has seen its headcount grow by over 515%, from 13 to 80 employees. The firm recently won the ‘Leading Innovation Award’ at the UK Platform Awards, along with ‘Best Use of Platform Technology’ for its work powering the P1 Platform. It was also shortlisted for Adviser Technology Provider of the Year at the recent Money Marketing Awards.
Daniel Marsh, Head of Customer at Seccl, shared: “We have been working hard over the last year to build an experienced and talented client services team, dedicated to supporting firms across the advice and investment management community.
“At Seccl, we see more and more businesses looking to take control of their technology and client experience with a platform of their own; this team is designed to help them launch and operate one with as little friction as possible – so that firms can focus on what they do best: delivering an amazing client experience. We’re convinced that Hamish, Michelle and Chris will add enormous value as we scale our presence in this market."