An Interview with Greg Easton

What do you do for Ravenscroft?  

I head up the Isle of Man office, leading our team of experienced discretionary investment managers. 

Ravenscroft’s vision is to be the most trusted investment business across the Crown Dependencies and whilst we are a household name in the Channel Islands our Isle of Man presence is relatively small, this provides an ideal opportunity for sustainable growth.  

My skills set and experience intersects the investment and fiduciary worlds. As a STEP Affiliate I spend a lot of time working with private client practitioners helping them shape investment policy statements and determining suitable strategies for complex multi-jurisdictional and multi-generational families.  

What do you love most about your role? 

The variety and the purpose.  

My role encompasses a wide variety of leadership and technical activities at both a group and local level. I might be helping a trustee with an investment policy statement in the morning and sat on a group strategy session in the afternoon.  

Business has to be purposeful, most PCD members will have spent their careers helping clients to preserve or generate wealth. Whilst I still get a buzz when a client is delighted with a solution, now the real sense of purpose comes from helping clients make sustainable investment decisions that preserve more than capital for future generations. The most powerful positive impact that anyone with capital can have is through their asset allocation and investment decision making. 

What have been your greatest achievements? 

Professionally, I was presented with a highly commended award in the Isle of Man IoD Sustainable Director of the Year category in 2022, at the same time the ESG strategy that I designed, developed and managed was shortlisted as a finalist in the Investment Team of the Year category at the STEP Private Client Awards. I led teams to winning the UNESCO Biosphere Award for Economy two years in a row in 2021 and 2022.  

Personally, I completed the 85-mile Parish Walk last year. It took me 22 hours and I enjoyed every one of the 126,000 steps. It built long-term resilience and now any distance or challenge seems surmountable if you put in the hard work and preparation. 

Why is the Isle of Man a great place to do business? 

The island is a special place to work and live. Beyond the TT races and the spectacular scenery, we have a mature financial services industry, an engaging Government and a spirit of innovation and integrity. 

We are unique in being the only island that is designated entirely as a UNESCO Biosphere. Our glens, peatland, beaches and Manx waters are home to a diverse range of species from rare orchids to oyster catchers and basking sharks. This natural capital is incredibly important and increasingly clients are recognising the value of our biodiversity. 

As a nation we’re not great at marketing ourselves; it takes a real effort and commitment to leave the island consistently to develop business. I often find I’m the only attendee from the Isle of Man at international conferences, however once clients discover everything our island has to offer they become our best ambassadors.   

Why did you join PCD? 

I’ve been fortunate enough in my career to build a network across the Channel Islands, Switzerland, Monaco, the Caribbean, LATAM and Asia. PCD events are a great way to see clients and contacts across jurisdictions and to extend my network and knowledge.   

I’ve been to quite a few PCD events and every one of them has led to strengthened business relationships and a better understanding of the ever-changing international private client landscape. 

On a weekend, I am most likely found... 

On the links, in the garden or ferrying my two girls around to activities! We have eight stunning golf courses on the island, if any visiting PCD members would like a round get in touch and I’ll happily arrange tee times!