Coutts Woman

Banking the Coutts way

It’s called the Coutts Experience and it refers to everything that sets Coutts apart from other banks. In practice that means offering a more personal, pro-active approach. Trust is a buzzword and the bank will always work with clients to achieve the best for them. Coutts offers a personalised service that draws on the individuality of staff and clients to produce a unique service.

In a series of interviews, Coutts Woman goes behind the scenes and profiles a day in the life of the bankers who all contribute to the Coutts Experience.

Coutts believes it has the knack of identifying the movers and shakers of the future. They have some Private Bankers whose main task is to provide a service to people early in their career and grow with them. Catherine Jordan, (28 years old), is one such banker who’s building up those long-term relationships. But if you’re thinking of a stereotypical banker in a three-piece suit and striped shirt, think again. This is Catherine’s take on corporate hospitality – it’s Catherine at the BRIT’s.

“Exceptionally lucky to get the tickets. Keep thinking this is such a great opportunity. Perfect for my clients – young, dynamic people earning a six-figure salary.”

Wednesday February 14th 

Woke up thinking this is ‘the’ day. Not just Valentine’s but the BRIT’s. Very excited. But work to do first.

8.30 a.m.  Hitting the dullest part of the day. It’s coffee, desk, emails. There are two or three pieces of work I must get done before leaving at 3.30pm. Phone rings. It rings again. All those phone calls I made over the last few days, and everyone chooses to call back at once! Not unusual for the phone to be this busy but today things seem really intense.

1 p.m. Thinking of the BRIT’s tonight.Feeling exceptionally lucky to get the tickets, such a great opportunity. Perfect for my clients – young, dynamic people earning a six-figure salary. One of my other clients has heard I’m taking one of his colleagues and has requested that I consider him first in future!

2 p.m.  Reception calls. Been trying to get me for ages they say. I go down and there’s my fiancée with a huge bunch of flowers. Almost forgotten it was Valentine’s day with everything else going on. Almost. 

3.30 p.m.  Must dash. Quick change into a ‘BRIT appropriate’, but still professional, outfit.

4.30 p.m.  Find a cab to get to Earl’s Court. Get stuck in traffic. Fifteen minute journey is dragging on.

5 p.m. Clients I’m meeting at the BRIT’s call my mobile. They’re already there. My journey takes ONE HOUR.

6.30 p.m.  Went straight to our table. Me, colleague James, and our clients. It’s huge inside, two big stages, lots of glitz. Spectacular. James and I have our hosting hats on. Two people already at our table but I don’t recognise them – looks like they’re in the wrong place. We sort it.  Three-course meal arrives. Drinks all round. Thank goodness we  pre-ordered our drinks, plenty of champagne, wine, beer to last us all evening so now we can relax

7.30 p.m.  Lots of chatting over meal. Look round table. One of my clients is a young property developer and one of James’ clients is from Knight Frank, estate agents, so they’re getting on. My other client, a fixed income trader from a Japanese bank and his girlfriend are enjoying themselves. In fact the whole table is gelling, which is great.  Bit of shop talk but not much. Someone says why are most of your clients men? I Think about that. And I am not really sure of the answer as there certainly seems to be a growing number of young successful women in the sort of professions I would like to look after.

8 p.m.  Just popping the champagne, which we’ve saved for the music. This is really exciting.  Whole room explodes when Take That come on. Then it’s the Killers, my favourite group. We are all dancing

8.30 p.m.  Keeping a watchful eye on my client who’s had surgery on his face following a skiing accident. His assistant says he mustn’t drink too much. I’m babysitting him and have to keep putting my hand over his glass He asked me whether I am his Private Banker or his mother!          

9.30 p.m.  Must drink our drinks or risk loosing them. Not suprisingly the clients rise to the challenge. We head off to the Lite Bar at St Martin’s Lane Hotel.

10 p.m.  More champagne. Reflect on arriving here after my four and a half years at Coutts.

1.30 a.m. Can’t believe it! THE KILLERS have just walked in. They’re my favourite band. I just love them. Everyone finding it very hilarious that I’m so excited. This is the best, chatting to The Killers and having my picture taken with them.

2 a.m. So thrilled by The Killers, have to call up fiancée and wake him up to tell him. Not sure what his reaction was. We’re all having such a laugh. The dynamics of the group working really well.

3.30 a.m. Chatting, mingling, and drinking, all winding down. We are all feeling a little tired now – even The Killers have gone to bed! My clients tell me it’s the best hospitality they’ve ever had. A couple are exchanging email addressees.  I jump in a cab back home. Great evening, very happy clients, not so sure about waking up the fiancée to tell him about The Killers again. Just might though.

You can contact Catherine Jordan on 020 7649 4610 or email catherine.jordan@coutts.com