Private Banking Graduate Development Programme

Coutts has offices in London and many regional cities. You can expect to be based in London, although there may be an opportunity for you to be based in one of our regional offices such as Bristol, Leeds, Manchester or Birmingham. We carefully tailor training to your individual needs. We combine this with technical courses as well as courses that strengthen skills relating to areas such as selling and presentations.

Year One

Developing your knowledge of Coutts and the private banking industry.

Our induction programme introduces you to the private banking industry and our unique culture. It is your opportunity to meet key senior individuals as well as graduates currently on the programme.

You then have a placement within our Client Telephony Department - Coutts 24 - before joining one of our client teams. Here you will work as a Private Banker’s Assistant in the first stage of your training to become a Private Banker.

Towards the end of your first year, you will have the opportunity to complete placements in the following areas:

• Investments
• Specialist Advice
• Credit
• Sales Support and Client Operations

You will also have the opportunity to undertake structured visits to other key areas of the Bank.

During your first year, we expect you to acquire the Securities Institute Investment Advice Certificate (IAC), the Private Banker benchmark qualification. This consists of three exam papers.

Year Two

Developing client relationship skills you will continue to work in your client teams, but will assist experienced Private Bankers in developing relationships with new and existing clients. You will also start the Training & Accreditation Programme for Private Bankers. We will also expect you to acquire the Certificate in Mortgage Advice and Practice (CeMAP).

Towards the end of Year Two, you will undergo a formal assessment with a view to becoming a Private Banker. This consists of a one-day assessment centre where we ask you to complete a variety of individual and group exercises.

After the programme

On successful completion of the Assessment Centre, you will then become a junior Private Banker (subject to vacancy). Training and development will continue as you work closely with your private banking team in building relationships with clients. All our Private Bankers have rigorous ongoing product and relationship training, ensuring a consistently professional, high quality service. The benefits of your training will show as you develop your own client portfolio.

Your career progression at Coutts directly relates to your and your team’s business success. Further career progression means either growing your portfolio by specialising in particular aspects of wealth management or managing a team of Private Bankers. Whatever new responsibilities you elect to pursue, the focus is on managing client relationships and maximising business potential and profit. The diversity and professional challenge of private banking will continue throughout your career.

What you need

• At least a 2:1 (Hons) degree in any discipline with a minimum of 260 UCAS points (or equivalent).
• Previous work experience which does not have to have been within the financial sector (eg permanent or temporary roles, internships, vacation work, sandwich placements etc). 
• The intellectual calibre and stamina to gain professional qualifications while holding down a demanding job and the potential to identify and apply effective wealth management strategies for clients.