September 27, 2023 Our People: Meet Tanya O’Carroll

After her recent promotion and recognition in the Spears Advisers Index's as a Top Recommended Advisor for Offshore, Trusts, and Structuring, we sat down with Tanya to discuss her background and the bespoke services we offer High-Net-Worth (HNW) clients.

Can you tell us about your career journey and the experience you’ve gained working across multi-jurisdictions?

Beginning my career in what was then, the industrial diamond division of De Beers, I made the bold step of retraining as a Chartered Secretary to completely change my career path.

Over the course of my career, I have worked for some of the larger trust and company service providers (TCSPS) and Private Banks in several jurisdictions, including the Channel Islands, Ireland, the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Isle of Man.

With a background in industry and science, I’m able to respond to a wide range of diverse issues with solutions, supported by Oak, a forward-looking business, which in turn enables me to maintain close connections and collaborations with clients and colleagues alike, that can often be lacking in a multijurisdictional business.

What do you think sets Oak apart from other financial service providers?

"We collaborate closely with our teams across all jurisdictions, allowing us to have a consistent approach geared to ensuring high-quality service for our clients."

Over the course of 25 years, we have amalgamated several established businesses that provide fund administration and professional trust and corporate services to HNW individuals, families, and corporate clients in four major jurisdictions, allowing us to provide a multijurisdictional and comprehensive service at all stages of a client's wealth evolution.

Since we are not legal or tax advisors, we work closely with professional intermediaries and third parties which is essential for us to offer the ideal provider for our clients’ needs and objectives enabling us to manage and maintain asset protection and fund structures.

Each of our offices have long standing client relationships, some who are now at a transitional phase moving wealth to the next generation, so we understand how important it is to have a strong team who are committed and clients and understanding how circumstances change with the family and corporate dynamics.

We are also passionate about our people, and I am a firm believer in the importance of education, development, and knowledge transfer to the next generation of professional advisors. We collaborate closely with our teams across all jurisdictions, allowing us to have a consistent approach geared to ensuring high-quality service for our clients.

What makes the Isle of Man's financial jurisdiction unique compared to others?

Isle of Man (IOM) has been at the forefront of emerging industries while maintaining its reputation as a highly reputable and well-regulated jurisdiction.

Traditionally, the IOM has been viewed as a jurisdiction of choice for new sectors, with many e-gaming and e-commerce companies establishing operations locally, employing locals in turn encouraging the influx of skills and digital talent.

In more recent years, the IOM government actively promotes the island as a location not only for businesses, but also for families and young people.

With the University College Man, affiliated with Chester University, offering degree opportunities to local students looking to work in the Financial Services Industry.

How does Isle of Man (and Oak) embrace the evolving needs of a new generation of private and corporate clients?

Alongside existing traditional industries such as Banking, Investment Advisory, Insurance, Fiduciary, and Fund providers, new industries such as digital commerce and associate services are attracting young entrepreneurs and talent and are viewed as future opportunities by the IOM government.

There is also a big push towards work-life-balance, which aligns with younger employees and families offering flexible work-life-balance opportunities. 

How do you stay up to date on the latest developments, trends and best practices within the industry?

Our clients and contacts are located across multiple jurisdictions, so keeping up to date with local and international markets is imperative. To accomplish this, I frequently attend local professional firms and professional bodies events, such as ACSP, STEP, CGI, IoD, and review FSA Industry publications, LinkedIn, and other online services.

I also ensure that I am up-to-date on legal and regulatory issues, which are equally as essential as international developments and perspectives.

What strategies do you employ to cater to HNW clients, including communication, engagement frequency, and your overall approach?

As service providers, we must be aware of our client requirements and demands. I find that the best way to learn is to keep up to date with industry requirements, create an open dialogue that fosters trust, and to keep clients informed of any changes – with my preference being to meet clients and prospective client face to face or via video-conferencing.

Connect with Tanya to find out more about our recommended solutions.