James Penny

Spear's Review

It was just over three decades ago that James Penny embarked on his career in wealth management. In his current position, he serves as managing director and head of the UK international private banking department for Barclays and co-head of Global Growth Markets PB.

Penny provides senior management coverage in global investing, lending, wealth structuring, private assets and next generation wealth to an extremely globalised client base. ‘We advise across the spectrum and are active on both sides of the balance sheet for clients,’ he says. 

His pre-eminence in the industry has earned him positions among the Top 10 Magic Circle Private Bankers List and Citywealth’s Top 100 International Wealth Advisor List. His tireless commitment is evident in more than just his job; Penny is an executive fellow at King's College London Business School, a fellow of the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment and an associate of the London Institute of Banking and Finance. He also serves as a trustee and director of several charities in both the education and arts sectors.

Adviser Profile

James has worked within the Private Banking Industry now since 1987 joining the industry one week before Black Monday! Over his 35 year career within Wealth Management, he has been client-facing throughout, growing his own substantial book from scratch and progressing to his current role as Head of UK International Private banking and Head of Asia (ex-India) for Barclays. James continues to maintain personal relationships with many of the world's wealthiest individuals and families. 

His personal expertise crosses the multiple disciplines and geographies of Wealth management, and he travels extensively within Asia the Middle East, and Africa. James has specialised in complex multi-jurisdictional Wealth Structuring working alongside many of the leading International Lawyers and Accountants to craft innovative solutions for Ultra High Net Worth families. 

James is passionate about building enduring client relationships and has maintained many of the earliest relationships he built in the industry and in one case is now on to advising the third generation. He has even made it into one of his better known client's autobiographies which made the best seller list! 

James's approach to building enduring relationships is central to his leadership style and throughout his career James has hired hundreds of Bankers, been a passionate and influential figure in the development of Female Career initiatives within the industry, and continues to mentor some of the industry's rising stars. He is a Fellow of the Securities Institute , a Fellow of the London Institute of Banking and Finance and an Executive Fellow at Kings College London Business School.