Leaders
Competent women leaders in family offices represent a powerful force in the world of wealth management. These leaders bring a unique blend of expertise, empathy, and a holistic perspective to the table. Sreepriya's commitment to her clients and her unwavering focus on their interests have been constants in her career. She seamlessly transitioned from a typical individual contributor to a prominent role in ICICI Group before embarking on her current role as the Director and COO at Entrust Family Office.
Sreepriya’s exceptional ability to adapt and learn from mentors and seniors across diverse banking sectors allowed her to become an all-rounder in operations and business development. She excelled in NRI and HNI divisions of the bank and took on leadership roles, solidifying her reputation as a team leader and problem solver.
In an in-depth conversation with Women Entrepreneur magazine, Sreepriya shares with us the nuances of her professional life, milestones achieved, and much more, Let’s hear it from her.
Tell us about the key areas of expertise you have developed as a business leader. How does you prior experience empower you to be a better leader today?
Having spent 23 years in the banking sector, absorbing the nuances of different verticals, starting from the nitty-gritty of operations, navigating the intricacies of compliance, and fostering growth in business development and NRI divisions, it was the perfect juncture to embrace this new chapter. A family office is the culmination of all these services, a holistic endeavor. It demands a blend of banking acumen, operational finesse, and the ability to nurture close relationships.
“At entrust family office, we don't just manage wealth; we nurture legacies, & our commitment to unwavering client alignment ensures that every financial decision reflects our dedication to their long term well-being”
Introduce us to Entrust Family Office. Tell us about the various responsibilities you shoulder as the Director & COO of the company.
Entrust Family Office embarked on its remarkable journey back in 2013. Our founders envisioned a client-centric model, one that would fiercely align with the needs and aspirations of our valued clients. This commitment led us to become one of the pioneering investment advisors registered under SEBI, with a team of seasoned professionals hailing from esteemed private sector banks, boasting over 15-20 years of expertise.
As I oversee the day-to-day operations, client relationships, and compliance at Entrust Family Office, we cater to the unique needs of UHNIs in India, providing solutions that ease their burdens and enhance their financial well-being. Trust and succession planning, real estate management, tax compliance, and lifestyle-related support are just some of the services we offer.
What are some of the most critical challenges you encounter in your current role and how do you overcome these roadblocks?
The challenges we've encountered on our journey at Entrust Family Office can be described in two fundamental aspects, both of which have shaped our evolution over the past decade. Firstly, in the Indian landscape, the concept of advisory services is still finding its footing among High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNIs) and Ultra High Net Worth Individuals (UHNIs). Many of these investors remain more comfortable with the traditional wealth management services offered by private banks, and we've strived to bridge this knowledge gap, offering a comprehensive suite of services that goes beyond just wealth management.
The second challenge we face lies in sourcing the right talent for our advisory practice. We ensure that the professionals we recruit have a strong pedigree of talent with demonstrated experience across market cycles, a prerequisite for offering sound advice to our discerning clientele.
What are some of the professional milestones that you have achieved over the years? What has been your success mantra?
It all began when I joined ICICI Bank as a teller. Little did I know that this role would introduce me to the concept of 'service to sales,' where even those in service positions were encouraged to engage clients and explore opportunities for cross-selling. It was here that I discovered my passion for client engagement and the joy of providing added value.
As I transitioned into handling elite clients as a personal banker in the mid-2000s, I embraced the mantra of always being available and responsive to clients' needs, a principle I still uphold today. Building lasting relationships with clients became more than just a professional duty; it evolved into lifelong friendships and mentorships.
How do you keep yourself well aligned with industry trends and evolution?
In the ever-evolving landscape of information overload, I've come to realize that there's no shortcut to staying informed and relevant. From the early days of my career, I've held a deep passion for absorbing knowledge, whether through reading, tuning into news and podcasts, or engaging in conversations with people from various walks of life. My day typically starts with a dive into the latest news, followed by networking across my various social media groups, on topics ranging from financial services and banking to investment and market-related discussions.
Advice for aspiring women entrepreneurs/business leaders – Set clear goals, have clarity of purpose, stay focused and disciplined, keep moving forward.
Sreepriya Ns, Director & COO, Entrust Family Office
Sreepriya NS embarked on her career path in 1997, graduating with a double major in Physics and Computer Science. Her commitment to lifelong learning led her to further her education, culminating in a Management Program in Finance and Strategy from IIM Kozhikode, a testament to her dedication to upskilling and staying at the forefront of her field. She is a seasoned banking professional with a remarkable journey that spans over two decades, primarily within the prestigious ICICI Bank.
