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Rob Allen

By Sophie Bennett, 26 Mar 26

I began my career in financial services in 2001 and have held senior leadership roles in some of the most well-known and recognised names in the industry, including Nat West Group Plc, HSBC Bank, RBS Group and Westpac Banking Corporation. Prior to becoming CEO of IFGL in May 2025, I led the transformation, consolidation and […]

I began my career in financial services in 2001 and have held senior leadership roles in some of the most well-known and recognised names in the industry, including Nat West Group Plc, HSBC Bank, RBS Group and Westpac Banking Corporation. Prior to becoming CEO of IFGL in May 2025, I led the transformation, consolidation and sale into private equity of Independent Wealth Planners, a group of more than 30 Independent Financial planners.

Career highlight:

I’ve been fortunate enough to enjoy all the roles I’ve had, and the teams I’ve worked with. That said, being appointed to lead IFGL was a huge honour and an absolute highlight.

Greatest challenge:

I was Voluntary Director for the Boat Race between 2010 and 2015, a period when the Race was facing a number of challenges. We managed to find new long-term sponsorship to secure the Race’s future. But my proudest moment was in 2015, seeing the women’s race added to the men’s Boat Race-day schedule, competing over the same famous 4.2 mile Championship Course from Putney to Mortlake on the River Thames for the first time.

How do you relax?

Spending time with my family and watching my 2 daughters playing their chosen sports: rowing and football. I’m also a runner but my real passion is dinghy sailing and racing.

Most significant industry change in the past 5 years:

I think the advent of technology, accelerated by the shock of Covid, has opened up more opportunities to improve service to customers and advisers through automation. But to me the biggest asset in any organisation is the people that work in that organisation. Providing great customer service, human to human, often at very difficult moments in our customers lives, continues to be the real differentiator for any business.

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International Adviser covers the global intermediary market that uses cross-border insurance, investments, banking and pension products on behalf of their high-net-worth clients. No news, articles or content may be reproduced in part or in full without express permission of International Adviser.