Katja Oakley-Bell is an investment analyst with Quilter Financial Planning and is a senior member of a team which manages the investment proposition for a large proportion of UK financial advisors.

I started my career at Quilter in 2019 as a temporary administrator to help process applications over tax-year end.  In 3 years, I have trained and qualified as both a wealth and mortgage adviser and completed the Investment Management Certificate.  I am currently studying a Level 3 Transformational Leadership Programme with Future Talent Learn. Recently I have taken on the training and development of two new team members, practically demonstrating my leadership abilities.  My skills shine when I create innovative and creative solutions benefitting our clients, advisers, and colleagues, for which I have received both company and group level recognition.

My background was in studying Chemistry at university; unfortunately dealing with illness throughout forced me to pause my degree. Despite this, I was recognised as one of the top 20 female undergraduates in the country (Rolls Royce organised by TargetJobs) in 2017. I also sat as a registered company director and charity trustee on the board of the University’s student union and as a committee member in several societies. I have found great fulfilment, over the last 15 years, fundraising with Rotary, Guiding and my university as well as independently. Most recently my husband and I hiked 26 miles in the Lake District in a day to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support for our first wedding anniversary.

Beyond my day job, I have mentored several female colleagues; answering queries alongside specific interview preparation and have now initiated a working group to discuss how the company can help support and recruit more female advisers as well as support existing female staff.  My experience is that many young people are uninformed and it’s becoming increasingly easy for inexperienced investors to take risks that they do not truly understand. Therefore, I have initiated a piece of research into younger people’s engagement and understanding of investments with a focus on cryptocurrency. My aim is that this research can provide a framework for further work in supporting and educating at-risk young people.

Starting in STEM and then progressing into finance, I am very used to being one of the only women in the room.  This has driven me to push myself to a place where I can actively create opportunities for others; I believe that’s how we all succeed.  True inspiration and innovation come when we not only hear everyone’s voices, but everyone feels empowered to speak.