Member Spotlight: Paul Blake, Head of Banking & Fiduciaries at Finance Isle of Man
7th December 2024, 10:22 am
- Introduce yourself
I’m Paul, the Head of Banking & Fiduciaries at Finance Isle of Man, an Executive Agency within the Department for Enterprise. Our role is to be a key advisory and decision-making body, supporting the Government’s vision for long-term economic growth in the Financial & Professional Services sector.
With over 25 years of experience across various financial services, including banking, legal, and fiduciary sectors, I bring a broad skill set to the table. Originally from Bolton (and yes, I’m still a proud Wanderers fan!), I first arrived on the Isle of Man in 2001, with Lloyds Banking Group as a senior manager in their international corporate banking team. In this role, I worked with a diverse range of clients, from SMEs to multinational corporations, both locally and internationally.
My experience also extends to the legal sector, where I served as Chief Operating Officer at two leading Isle of Man law firms, focusing on strategic development and operational excellence. More recently, I was a Director at a boutique Trust and Corporate Services provider, specialising in yachting and ultra-high-net-worth clients.
I hold a degree in Politics from Staffordshire University and am a Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute.
- Career highlight
The Isle of Man is a special place, and it is important to keep it that way. It is unique in being the only whole nation UNESCO Biosphere in the world. I have been lucky to lead on the development of the Isle of Man’s Sustainable Finance Roadmap, working with Ireland’s International Sustainable Finance Centre of Excellence and the United Nations Development Programme’s Financial Centres For Sustainability (“FC4S”).
- Name three words that describe your personality
Northern, Pragmatic, Reliable
- What’s the best thing about pro-manchester
The Pro-Manchester team itself are fantastic! They’ve gone above and beyond to help us integrate into the network and make the most of the opportunities the network provides.
- What are your priorities for 2025
Sustainability in the Financial Services Sector is going to continue to be a focus in 2025. Finance Isle of Man launched its Sustainable Finance Roadmap in November 2024 and delivering on the 10 Action Points is going to be a key priority moving forward.
In a similar vein we have our 2025 Innovation Challenge that is currently open for applications. It’s a global competition inviting participants to present groundbreaking solutions to address real-world challenges and foster innovation. The challenge spans three sectors: FinTech, Cleantech, and Data & AI. By tackling key issues such as sustainable energy, nature positive capital, data integrity, and more. The Innovation Challenge provides businesses with a platform to scale globally, create meaningful impact, and contribute to the Isle of Man as a hub for innovation.
- What do you think are the most important things going on in Manchester at the moment?
I’d say the demise of both City and United as footballing forces has been an interesting watch (joking!) – Wanderers have fallen more than most to be fair
On a serious note, I think the ongoing regeneration of the City and its constant evolution never ceases to amaze. The progress Manchester has made on its Sustainability journey whilst continuing its economic growth has been incredibly impressive. The challenge might be to try and ensure towns like Bolton (and others that make up the Greater Manchester family) also feel some benefit from the City of Manchester to ensure sustained economic development across the region.
- Favourite meeting place in Manchester
Somewhere old school like Corbières, Mulligans or Mr Thomas’s
- Are there any particular types of businesses that you would like to meet?
Fintech businesses that have a unique and innovative proposition that want to connect to the Isle of Man’s dynamic ecosystem, offering access to mentors, investors, and regulatory guidance, helping them scale their solution with real-world impact.
Get In Touch (optional)
Email: [email protected]
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