CEO OF THE YEAR
Nigel Green, CEO and founder of deVere Group, has solidified his position as a leader over two decades in the industry, driving the transformational growth of business with operational excellence.
Starting his career as a financial advisor in the UK with Liberty Life, Nigel worked his way up the ladder in real time to become a top manager. He opened the first deVere office 20 years ago in Hong Kong and it wasn’t long before he opened offices in several countries with the determination to build one of the world’s largest independent financial advisory, asset management, and fintech organisations.
Nigel shared his entrepreneurial journey insights with the CEOViews team.
A leader with a purpose
The success of a company often rests in the hands of its leader. Successful leaders have the ability to provide guidance, motivate, boost morale and improve the work environment. With communication as a key attribute of his leadership, Nigel maintains a close contact with every member of the team, listens and talks to them, ensures an open channel of communication to gather transparent responses, helping them reach their true potential.
He believes that people-oriented leaders can really energise and motivate. As a leader, he fosters a strong relationship with the team, provides support and makes them feel important and key to the firm’s success to get the best efforts out of each team member.
Nigel is always learning something new about the business or indeed about himself. “There is always something new to learn and being open to learning is essential for a strong leader to boost knowledge and skill set. This helps to increase confidence, and confident leaders can inspire and encourage. Strong leaders should remain focused, learn from the past and take responsibility for mistakes,” says Nigel.
There is always something new to learn and being open to learning is essential for a strong leader to boost knowledge and skill set.
Career Milestones
With an eye for detail and innovation, Nigel has achieved extraordinary milestones throughout his career.
Speaking about his achievements, Nigel said: “Establishing deVere as one of the world’s most successful independent financial advisory, asset management and fintech organisations, has been my most outstanding achievement to-date as the CEO. deVere Group is a game changer and we have held our leading position for two decades.
“However, I never rest on my laurels and tend not to focus on my own achievements. I concentrate on helping others reach their goals. Not just our clients, but the members of our teams across the globe, to make sure they feel valued and supported.”
Overcoming challenges
“All leaders face challenges. Keeping up to date with market trends, evolving client expectations and technology and innovation development is crucial to stay on top. This involves a great deal of hard work, commitment and expertise to adapt and evolve to changing trends.
“The financial services market is hugely competitive, and regulatory and client requirements are constantly changing. As such, in order to stay out in front, it is crucial to keep improving, learning and seeking out fresh ways of doing things,” Nigel states.
Proactive approach
When it comes to operational output, Nigel focuses on transformative, technology driven modules.
“I’m recognised as having a predominantly proactive approach when it comes to assigning responsibility. However, this in no way means I micromanage. I trust in the skills and expertise of each member of the teams around the world and find micromanaging is not the way forward.
“I strive to be as accessible as I can to everyone within the organisation as much as possible. I like to speak to everyone on every level and do my best to motivate and inspire, set out the future path and work alongside the teams to reach the company’s objectives.”
Technology boom in Finance sector
The finance sector has witnessed major changes in recent years that have been fuelled by technology.
In essence, the industry is witnessing the most profound transformation in history, thanks to fintech.
It really is reshaping the sector in major ways. Looking at the financial services sector, more and more clients demand a personal service, instant access 24/7 to all their financial service’s needs, and fintech made this a reality.
Fintech also bolsters financial inclusion across the world, giving access to millions who may not typically be able to use financial services, it allows businesses to reduce costs, diversify, enhance the client experience and also meet regulatory requirements, which will subsequently help forge long-term relationships and trust.
deVere is the first global advisory company to actively develop and promote fintech, and still today remains the largest, most successful fintech provider in the industry.
deVere is the first global advisory company to actively develop and promote fintech, and still today remains the largest, most successful fintech provider in the industry.
Future Trends
According to Nigel: “The future is fintech. This is what, I believe, will be the driving force in the future. It is helping to make the world even more connected, and as the sector grows even more, it will keep playing a major role in shaping the future of financial services, providing the experience now demanded by consumers.”
He adds that key drivers such as cryptocurrencies, artificial intelligence, blockchain, cloud computing and data aggregation solutions are likely to transform the space as never before, revolutionising the financial industry.
The significance of corporate responsibility is also going to become ever more prevalent. Organisations placing their environmental, social and governance (ESG) obligations at the forefront of their decision-making processes are the ones that will stand out when it comes to attracting clients.
In addition, tech developments, shifts in economic trends and evolving client and regulatory expectations will shape the future, and businesses need to ensure they really get behind the revolution like never before.
Advising burgeoning entrepreneurs, Nigel comments: “Keep a firm focus on your objectives and ambitions. Perseverance is essential. Never stop learning and never settle. Learn from others. To stay at the top of your game, regularly bolster your skills. This will help you to reach your potential, perhaps even exceed it.
“There will be challenges and setbacks, but never stop moving forward. Crucially, never let negativity in. No matter the situation, always remain positive and never let criticism stop you from getting where you want to be.”
