Menu

Archive for May, 2025

Spotlight Q&A: From banking to wealth management – Meet Olie Jones

Posted on: May 21st, 2025 by stevejordan@fivewealth.co.uk

Tell us a bit about your career so far – we hear you started out in banking?

Yes, that’s right! I’m originally from South Manchester and went to university in Leeds, where I studied Economics and Geography. I’ve always had an interest in finance, so  I then joined a graduate scheme in insurance and spent 18 months living down south. That was a great experience, but I knew I wanted to move into banking.

In 2016, I had the opportunity to join Handelsbanken through its early careers programme, starting with an internship that I really enjoyed. That led to an extended placement in the Manchester office and, from there, I took on a role in cash management across the North West. I was onboarding larger corporate businesses and working closely with systems integration, which gave me fantastic exposure to a variety of companies and office environments.

While I enjoyed the commercial side, I realised I preferred the more personal side of banking, which led me to private banking in Manchester about five years ago. There, I worked with business owners, often with quite quirky and unique enterprises. I built long-term relationships based on trust, helping them with mortgages and wider financial planning.

You were with the same bank for nine years – what made you decide to move into wealth management?

It felt like a very natural progression. Over the years, I got to know my clients on a really deep level. Not just as business owners, but as individuals and families with long-term financial goals. That personal connection is something I’ve always valued.

I’d known of Five Wealth for some time through the Manchester network, and the opportunity came about quite organically. The team’s approach really appealed to me and it’s a natural next step in my career, allowing me to build on everything I’ve learned so far.

What will your new role at Five Wealth involve?

I’ve joined in a trainee paraplanner role and I’m working closely with advisers across the business. I’ll be taking additional exams to become chartered, with the aim of becoming an adviser myself as soon as possible.

The learning journey is something I’m genuinely excited about, especially because the exams are so relevant to the work I’m doing day to day. Topics like investment planning already feel like a great fit.

What attracted you to Five Wealth?

A few things, really. First, the size and culture. It’s a smaller firm with a fantastic reputation, and I can see how much potential it has to continue to grow. I wanted to be part of that journey and contribute to its future.

Second, the people. Everyone I’ve met is incredibly experienced, welcoming, and down to earth. There’s a real sense of trust and collaboration, and it’s a chance to learn from some brilliant people especially the directors.

And of course, being Manchester-based was a big plus. My whole career and network have been built here, so it felt like the perfect fit.

What are you most looking forward to in the role?

I love meeting people and hearing their stories, especially successful individuals from all walks of life. Everyone’s journey is different, and I find it fascinating to understand what drives people and how they’ve achieved what they have. There’s so much to learn from that.

I’m also looking forward to building new relationships, supporting existing clients, and helping to grow the business. And I have to say, I’m actually excited about the studying too.

And finally, what do you get up to outside of work?

Anything with a ball, basically! I’m into most sports and love anything active. A few years ago, I trekked to Everest Base Camp in Nepal, which was an unforgettable experience. I really enjoy getting away and challenging myself in the mountains.

Closer to home, I’m a full-time uncle to eight nieces and nephews, which definitely keeps me on my toes.