African and international operations

FAIRBAIRN PRIVATE BANK

With its headoffice in Jersey, Fairbairn Private Bank (FPB), including Fairbairn Trust Limited, is 70% owned by Nedbank and 30% by Old Mutual and offers comprehensive private services to a wide range of clients – including private individuals, professional intermediaries, small and large companies, trusts, governments and institutional investors. The business holds banking and investment licences in Jersey, the Isle of Man and London, as well as a trust licence in Jersey. In addition to its Private Bank services it offers a range of award-winning banking, investment, trust and corporate services. FPB has a staff complement of 168, of which 129 are based on the Isle of Man, 31 in Jersey, six in South Africa and two in London. FPB was the first independently A-rated British offshore bank (A3/P2 Moody’s).

In 2008 the bank won two awards at the International Investment Fund and Product Awards, taking the titles for Best International Private Bank Group and Best International Wrap Provider. FPB has a reputation and track record for providing quality and innovative solutions and was voted Best Offshore Bank for five consecutive years, from 2002 to 2006, at the International Investment industry awards – an unprecedented achievement. In addition, the award for Best Offshore Banking Product was secured in 2002, 2003 and 2005, along with a ‘highly commended’ award in 2004. FPB was voted one of the best small companies to work for, according to the 2008 Sunday Times 100 Best Small Companies To Work For (42nd).

Further entrenching the bank’s reputation as an industry leader, FPB was awarded a prestigious Two Star status in the 2008 Best Companies business accreditation system – one of only 117 companies across the UK to receive this accolade.

CORPORATE SOCIAL INVESTMENT

Staff participation

Through a wide range of fund-raising schemes in 2008, a total of £6 882,93 was raised by FPB staff. The money has again been split between the following four charities, as selected by the staff:

• The Manx Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
• Oskar’s Dreams
• The Jersey Hospice
• Abandoned Children of Romania

Specific events were also held to support other charities, including, The Michael Bellis Fund; Anthony Nolan Trust; Macmillan Cancer Relief; National Pink Day; and The Hospice Care for Community Nurses. Staffmembers also donated items and hampers to the elderly in the community over Christmas.

ENVIRONMENT

Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust

This year FPB was pleased to enter into a three-year partnership with the trust, whose headquarters are in Jersey. This agreement, which involves sponsorship of two black-and- white ruffed lemurs called Dad and Gutless, will enable Durrell to educate people regarding these endangered species and the complex task of saving these animals. The sponsorship will not only pay for the day-to-day care of Dad and Gutless at Durrell, but will also allow the charity to develop its understanding of the lemurs in order to protect them and enhance their chances of survival in the wild.

 

Recycling

FPB operates a recycling scheme at its offices on the Isle of Man and in Jersey. Using local recycling agencies the bank recycles glass, aluminium and plastic, thereby boosting the bank’s ‘green’ efforts, which include recycling paper, composting biodegradable waste such as teabags, and ensuring that appliances are switched off at the end of each day. The bank also works in collaboration with various charities to recycle used toner, printer cartridges and stamps.

 

SPORT

In 2008 we renewed our sponsorship of local charity Sailing for the Disabled and its yacht ‘Pride of Mann II’. Sailing for the Disabled helps disabled people by providing opportunities for them to participate on equal terms with their more able-bodied friends.