A pioneer of independent financial advice and fintech innovation, Nigel Green is the CEO and founder of deVere Group and a titan in the international financial services and fintech industry.
Nigel has built deVere Group into one of the world’s largest independent financial advisory firms, a sprawling global entity comprising over 97 legal entities, conducting business in more than 100 countries, and managing $10 billion in assets under advice. His relentless drive and visionary leadership have cemented his reputation as a force of nature in the financial world.
Nigel’s philosophy is rooted in a personalized approach to financial planning, emphasizing that no two clients are the same. “Our commitment is to help clients create value and financial security by recommending tailored financial solutions,” he asserts. This ethos has positioned deVere Group as a trusted partner for individuals seeking to achieve their unique financial goals, whether through long-term wealth building or securing a stable future.
Nigel’s leadership extends beyond numbers. His commitment to empowering clients with tailored financial strategies and cutting-edge technology has propelled deVere Group to unparalleled success.
The Career Trajectory
Nigel’s career trajectory has been defined by ambition, perseverance, and a relentless drive to challenge the status quo. His journey began at Liberty Life in the UK, where he joined a pool of over 1,000 advisors in a highly competitive environment. This wasn’t just a job; it was a proving ground that demanded resilience, adaptability, and the ability to stand out.
From there, Nigel transitioned to Royal Life, where he took on a national management role. Leading teams across multiple regions, he honed his skills in building cohesion, inspiring individuals, and driving results. Yet, even as he climbed the ranks, he noticed inefficiencies in the financial services industry—talented advisors hindered by outdated systems and uninspired leadership.
This realization became the catalyst for deVere. Nigel envisioned a firm that would break free from traditional norms, offering a fresh approach to financial advisory services: a global company with a clear mission to deliver world-class financial advice and solutions tailored to clients’ unique goals.
Within months, this ambitious vision became a reality. Over the past 25+ years, deVere has grown into one of the world’s leading independent financial advisory firms, driven by an unwavering commitment to clients and a willingness to embrace change. Under Nigel’s leadership, deVere has expanded into challenging markets, leveraged cutting-edge technology, and built a team of professionals united by a vision to empower clients to achieve financial success.
Building deVere into a Global Powerhouse
Nigel reflects that building deVere into a global powerhouse was far from straightforward. The journey was defined by overcoming challenges like regulatory complexities, fierce competition, and economic turbulence, each providing an opportunity to grow stronger.
Regulation was one of the most immediate hurdles. Operating across multiple jurisdictions meant navigating a labyrinth of compliance requirements, each with its own nuances. Recognizing the gravity of these challenges, Nigel prioritized building a team of expert professionals to ensure deVere not only met but exceeded regulatory standards. This meticulous approach earned the trust of regulators and clients alike, laying the foundation for the firm’s reputation.
Competition in the financial services industry presented another significant challenge. Nigel’s strategy to stand out was straightforward yet highly effective: deliver more value. He focused on heavy investment in innovation to develop bespoke solutions that catered to clients’ unique needs and aspirations. Personalization became deVere’s hallmark, setting the firm apart and resonating with its clients.
Internally, Nigel understood that building a high-performance culture was crucial. From the outset, he focused on surrounding himself with the right people—not just by hiring top talent but by creating an environment where ambition, collaboration, and excellence thrived. Every challenge deVere faced was tackled with a team effort, something Nigel considers a cornerstone of the firm’s enduring success.
Through a combination of expertise, innovation, and a team-first culture, deVere has grown into one of the leading independent financial advisory firms, proving that challenges, when embraced, can lead to unparalleled growth.
Creating Collaboration
For Nigel, leadership is fundamentally about empowering others. He has always believed in granting his team the autonomy to make decisions, paired with the necessary guidance and accountability to ensure their success.
In the early days of deVere, Nigel’s leadership style was intensely hands-on—he was involved in every decision, meeting, and deal. However, as the company expanded, he recognized the importance of transitioning to a more strategic role. This shift required trusting others to lead in their areas of expertise, which allowed him to focus on the bigger picture and steer deVere toward its long-term vision.
Communication is another cornerstone of Nigel’s leadership philosophy. He emphasizes the importance of clear and open dialogue to foster collaboration and build trust. Whether celebrating successes, addressing challenges, or setting goals, Nigel prioritizes transparency. Additionally, he values active listening, creating space for team members to voice their ideas and perspectives. He believes some of the best ideas originate from the ground up and encourages an environment where they can emerge.
Nigel describes leadership as a balance between ambition and humility. It involves striving for excellence while acknowledging that success is a team effort. For him, effective leadership is about creating a culture where people feel valued, challenged, and inspired to perform at their best. This approach has been instrumental in driving deVere’s growth and maintaining a high-performing, collaborative team.
Three Fundamental Pillars Behind deVere’s Success
Nigel attributes deVere’s success to three fundamental pillars: innovation, adaptability, and a steadfast focus on clients.
• Innovation: At deVere, innovation drives everything they do. From the outset, the company has embraced technology to enhance its services, utilizing tools like AI for personalized financial planning and exploring blockchain for secure transactions. However, Nigel emphasizes that innovation is more than just technology—it’s a mindset. It’s about challenging the status quo and finding new ways to deliver superior outcomes for clients. This forward-thinking approach has positioned deVere at the forefront of the financial services industry.
• Adaptability: Operating in a global market comes with inevitable changes—shifting regulations, fluctuating economic conditions, and evolving client expectations. Nigel sees adaptability as a key differentiator for deVere. Instead of resisting change, the company has embraced it, turning potential obstacles into opportunities through proactive and nimble strategies. This ability to pivot has been instrumental in maintaining deVere’s growth and resilience in a competitive industry.
• Client-Centric Philosophy: For deVere, clients are at the heart of every decision. The firm rejects a one-size-fits-all approach, instead investing time to understand each client’s unique goals, challenges, and aspirations. Tailored advice and personalized financial solutions define their commitment to delivering maximum value. This dedication has fostered lasting relationships and earned deVere a reputation for excellence in financial advisory services.
Together, these pillars—innovation, adaptability, and client focus—form the foundation of deVere’s global success and underscore its mission to empower clients to achieve their financial goals.
Key Pieces of Advice for Professionals Seeking Success and Leadership Growth
Nigel offers four key pieces of advice for professionals seeking success and leadership growth:
• Embrace Change: In the constantly evolving financial services industry, adaptability is critical. Nigel encourages embracing disruption as an opportunity to innovate and grow rather than fearing it. This mindset allows professionals to stay agile and ahead of industry shifts.
• Never Stop Learning: Lifelong learning is a cornerstone of success. Nigel emphasizes the importance of staying curious and informed, whether by keeping up with industry trends, learning from peers, or venturing into new fields. Continuous learning ensures that you remain sharp and equipped to tackle challenges in a dynamic landscape.
• Build Relationships: Success is as much about people as it is about strategy. Nigel advises cultivating relationships with mentors, colleagues, and partners who challenge, inspire, and support you. A strong network not only fosters growth but also helps navigate complex challenges.
• Lead with Purpose: A leader with a clear mission and values inspires others. Nigel highlights the power of purpose-driven leadership in rallying a team. When people believe in your vision, they’re motivated to go above and beyond to contribute to shared success.
These principles reflect Nigel’s approach to leadership and his belief in the transformative power of adaptability, knowledge, relationships, and purpose.
Building a Lasting Legacy
The future of deVere is centered on growth, innovation, and meaningful impact, with a steadfast commitment to empowering clients. Nigel and the management team are driving a digital transformation by investing heavily in cutting-edge technologies. This includes AI-powered financial tools for enhanced personalization and efficiency, as well as blockchain-based platforms to provide heightened security and transparency. These advancements aim to make financial planning more accessible and tailored to the unique needs of clients worldwide.
In addition to technological innovation, deVere is expanding its geographical reach, targeting high-growth markets where demand for financial advisory services is increasing. By positioning itself in emerging regions, the company is well-placed to meet the evolving needs of new and diverse client bases. Simultaneously, deVere is deepening its commitment to sustainability, recognizing the growing importance of ethical investment options. By offering green investment opportunities and supporting sustainable businesses, the firm aligns its services with the values of its clients while contributing to a more responsible financial ecosystem.
No matter how much deVere evolves or grows, its mission remains unchanged: to empower people to achieve their financial goals and build lasting wealth. This client-centric philosophy is the foundation of its legacy and continues to drive the company’s vision for the future. Through a combination of innovation, strategic growth, and sustainability, deVere is poised to transform the financial services industry while creating a positive and lasting impact for clients and the global community.
