Young, Ambitious, and Global: Ellie Gracie’s Financial Planning Career from Edinburgh to Dubai

How Dubai's dynamic environment and her mentorship under Chris Ball at Hoxton Wealth have propelled Ellie's financial planning career to new heights.

In the latest episode of Financial Planner Life, we had the pleasure of interviewing Ellie Gracie, a dynamic 22-year-old paraplanner at Hoxton Wealth. Her ambitious leap from the historic streets of Edinburgh to the thriving city of Dubai is inspiring a new generation of financial planning professionals. Ellie’s journey isn’t just about a geographic change; it’s about seizing career opportunities, pushing boundaries, and redefining what it means to be a young woman in the financial planning industry.

Embracing the Dubai Dream

"Dubai is like the land of opportunity. You’re surrounded by entrepreneurs and driven professionals, and the energy here pushes you to reach your full potential," Ellie explains. The transition from Edinburgh, a city known for its rich history and steady pace, to Dubai, a city brimming with ambition and innovation, has been pivotal in accelerating Ellie’s career. In Dubai, the fast-paced lifestyle and the relentless pursuit of success are not just encouraged—they’re expected.

For those considering a career in financial planning, especially on an international scale, Ellie’s story is a powerful reminder that location can significantly impact your career trajectory. Dubai’s tax-free environment, coupled with its influx of multinational companies and entrepreneurs, creates a unique landscape for financial planning professionals to thrive.

The Power of Mentorship

One of the most impactful aspects of Ellie’s journey has been her mentorship under Chris Ball, CEO of Hoxton Wealth. "The main reason I moved to Hoxton was to work directly with Chris. His guidance has been invaluable in shaping my approach to client relationships and financial planning," Ellie shares.

Mentorship is a crucial element in the financial planning profession, offering young professionals like Ellie the chance to learn directly from industry leaders. Under Chris’s mentorship, Ellie has gained insights into managing client relationships, understanding the complexities of multi-jurisdictional portfolios, and navigating the challenges of working in a global financial hub like Dubai.

Sam Oakes, the host of Financial Planner Life, was particularly struck by Ellie’s approach to organization and structure in her work. "One of the things I’ve noticed about you is that you’re highly organized. You have all those things that I wish I had in abundance—like that organizational skill set," Sam remarked during the interview.

Breaking the Mold: Women in Financial Planning

"I’ve always wanted to do more than others, and being in a male-dominated industry just makes me more determined to succeed."

Ellie’s journey also highlights the challenges and opportunities for women in financial planning, particularly in an international context. "There’s a misconception that women in Dubai don’t work, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. The women I know here are ambitious, independent, and thriving in their careers," Ellie says.

The financial planning industry has long been male-dominated, but Ellie is determined to change that narrative. She’s not just focused on her own career; she’s passionate about inspiring other women to break into the field and rise to leadership positions. "When someone tells me I can’t do something, it makes me want to do it more. There’s a lack of women in the industry, and I see that as an opportunity," she declares.

Strategic Networking and Building Relationships

Ellie emphasizes the importance of strategic networking in Dubai’s vibrant financial landscape. "Networking is everything in this industry. The connections you make can open doors you never imagined," she advises. By attending events, joining professional groups, and actively engaging on platforms like LinkedIn, Ellie is not only expanding her professional network but also positioning herself as a key player in the industry.

"Building strong relationships with clients isn’t just about managing their portfolios—it’s about making sure they feel comfortable and understood."

Her proactive approach to networking is complemented by her commitment to building strong client relationships. "In financial planning, it’s crucial to break down complex information into terms that clients can easily understand. This builds trust and ensures a deeper connection with the client," Ellie explains. This client-centric approach is at the heart of her work at Hoxton, where she manages a diverse portfolio of clients across different jurisdictions.

Looking Ahead: Big Dreams and Bigger Ambitions

As Ellie looks to the future, her ambitions are clear. "I want to step up in the next couple of years, manage a significant book of business, and eventually move to New York. Dubai is a stepping stone for me," she shares. Ellie’s vision includes obtaining qualifications in both the UK and the US, further solidifying her expertise in international financial planning.

Ellie is also passionate about content creation and using her platform to empower others, particularly women in finance. With aspirations to collaborate with influential figures like Jo Malone, Ellie is poised to make a significant impact not just within Hoxton but across financial planning worldwide.

Sam, reflecting on the episode, summed up Ellie’s impact: "I’ve been in this industry for years, but speaking with Ellie reminded me of the importance of structure, planning, and the power of a fresh perspective. Her journey is a blueprint for success in the financial planning profession."

To hear more about Ellie's story and gain further insights into why Dubai could be the next big move for your financial planning career, listen to the full episode on the Financial Planner Life podcast - interested in job opportunities with Hoxton. click here