Private Banking Graduate Development Programme
Our private bankers look after a portfolio of clients and will assist them with identifying their individual financial needs. For example, the private banker may need to arrange a suitable mortgage for a client, or for assets to be invested in an investment portfolio. They may need to assist their client with day to day banking enquiries or arrange for one of our financial planning specialists to meet the client to discuss pensions or estate planning. The role of the private banker is diverse and interesting. You will need to gain a high level of knowledge and skills to assist your clients and deliver the highest level of service. We will help you become an expert relationship manager, tailoring our training to your individual needs and encompassing a rich mix of technical and business training.
We have opportunities available for graduates to work in our offices throughout the country. We have a thriving graduate programme in our regional offices and are looking for individuals to be based regionally as well as in London. If you are successful in gaining a place on our programme we will ask you to consider working in places such as Bristol, Leeds. Birmingham, Manchester, Nottingham, Hampshire, Guildford, Newcastle, to name a few!
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 320 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.