Leaders

Traversing the complexities and ambiguities of the financial markets is not for everyone. It requires a professional well versed with the nitty-gritties of financial structures and markets to render judicious advice for a layman to build wealth. Sophia Bhatti is one such expert. A wealth management advisor with a proven track record, she joined the field of finance and Investment driven by her passion for investment and a vision of improving people's lives by providing practical advice to improve financial wellbeing.

Sophia’s expertise is built on a solid foundation of academic excellence coupled with diverse industry experience spanning 15 years. She began her career as a Senior Manager and rose through the ranks of various wealth management firms to become a wealth management advisor, Director, and eventually the CEO. She also founded and served as Managing Director of Wimbledon Wealth Management, a wealth management firm that provided bespoke wealth management advice to private and corporate clients. In 2021, Sophia became a Partner at Hoxton Capital Management, and has since been committed to safeguarding people’s financial future.

The Women Entrepreneur Team had the opportunity to speak with Sophia Bhatti and learn about her passion for finance and investment, as well as her vision of financially empowering others. Here are excerpts from the conversation.

Give us an overview of Hoxton Capital Management. What are the different roles and responsibilities that you currently shoulder at the firm?

Hoxton Capital Management is a borderless, independent financial advisory consultancy, unrelenting in its commitment to safeguarding clients’ financial future.

At Hoxton Capital Management we pride ourselves on our personalized, honest and deeply committed approach. Our highly qualified team of British-trained and highly experienced advisers, offer sound knowledge and transparent advice with a personal approach. Honesty and integrity is always at the forefront of any advice. We offer tailored solutions and relevant advice that can only come from a deep understanding of you and your personal requirements.

My roles and responsibilities include constantly looking for new opportunities and ways to further advance the business, creating brand awareness and managing the UAE operations. Now I also lead the new graduate training academy.

Take us through your early educational journey and prior industry experience that you bring to the table.

I have done my BSc honors in Economy and Postgraduate Diploma in Finance and Investment from Brunel University, London. I completed level 4 certification from the CISI and a Diplomain Personal Finance Society (DipPFS) from the prominent Chartered Institutes of England. I am also a Qualified Level 4 (CII) & Diploma Level 4 (CISI) wealth manager.

Beyond this I am certified in Financial Planning, Mortgage Advice, Financial Planning and Long Term Care Insurance and Life & Pensions. In 2020 I attended Women's Leadership Programme at Yale School of Management.

I began my career by serving as a senior manager at Dubai-based wealth management firm Guardian Wealth Management, then lead a team of wealth management experts as District Sales Manager at Nexus Insurance Brokers in Dubai. Since the starting of my career, I have worked with leading financial institutions including Barclays Bank, HSBC, Lloyds Private Bank, and St. James’s Place among others. I have also founded and managed a successful wealth management firm in London prior to moving to the UAE. In 2021, I joined Hoxton Capital Management’s Leadership Team as a Partner.

“Obtaining high levels of professional qualifications as well as founding and managing my own wealth management firm in london have been the highlights and major milestones to date”

Throw some light on your various areas of expertise as a business leader in the finance domain. What is your leadership mantra?

With 15 years of experience in providing reliable investment and insurance solutions, I guide clients on how to grow and preserve their wealth and assets in accordance with British industry norms.

Private client advising, Inheritance tax planning, Pensions, Trust planning & guidance, Investment portfolio management, Pension transfers, Financial Advise, Finance Management, Asset Management, Relationship Management, and Team Leadership are some of my areas of expertise.

My leadership mantra has always been to be approachable and to be myself. I also believe it is most important for a leader to lead by example.

How has your professional journey been so far? What have been some of the most significant milestones or achievements that you have earned throughout the years?

The journey so far has been filled with several ups and downs; of course, the ups have outweighed the downs, but the downs have always been a lesson and helped me to become better. Balancing the various areas of the business that I am responsible for is itself a challenge. Managing my teams fairly and effectively and at some time managing the time is also a challenge.

Obtaining high levels of professional qualifications as well as founding and managing my own wealth management firm in London have been the highlights and major milestones to date.

How do you keep yourself well aligned with the periodic evolutions occurring within your respective industry? As a successful business leader what advice would you present to young women and girls who aspire to venture into the field of finance?

I read a lot, participate in several forums, and generally try to keep up with the latest news and developments in my field. I enjoy playing tennis, travelling, and spending time with her family when I am not working.

I would like to tell women that the field of finance is quiet interesting and one can gain lot of financial benefits by being a part of it. Do not be afraid of the fact that the field is male dominated, pick up confidence to get involved in the industry. If you do so, then you will be successful. It is not just a job for few years; you can build your career in it throughout your life.

Sophia Bhatti, Partner, Hoxton Capital Management

Sophia Bhatti began her career in finance and investment with the goal of improving people's financial well-being. In 2021, Sophia became joined the leadership team as a Partner in Hoxton Capital Management and has since been committed to safeguarding peoples financial future.