John Blake joined TrustQore in December 2024, bringing with him a wealth of experience and dynamism. In this “Chance to Meet”, we delve into John’s background and uncover what drives him forward.
Raised in the Isle of Man, John has spent over twenty years developing his skills working with regulated trust and fiduciary services firms in the island, as well as in London and Gibraltar.
Following his education in the Isle of Man, John has continually advanced his career both through study and sheer hard work. He is a member of the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI), and his impressive qualifications include the Institute of Directors (IoD) Diploma in Company Direction, the STEP Diploma in International Trust Management and the International Compliance Association (ICA) Diploma in Governance, Risk and Compliance.
Studying is, as John readily admits, just one path he follows to develop and demonstrate his professional acumen. His mantra is simple: “Facilitating international growth through strategic trust, corporate and fund solutions.” In previous directorship roles, he drove the strategy function for a leading firm and oversaw the execution of its growth initiatives. His leadership roles have covered business development, market expansion and operational restructuring, alongside the successful execution of mergers and acquisitions. He led key acquisitions and post-merger integrations, enhanced service offerings, and secured strategic partnerships that significantly contributed to revenue growth.
As a professional trustee, John has extensive experience working with high-net-worth individuals and has served as a Non-Executive Director on several boards, where he contributed strategic oversight, governance expertise and risk management skills. Thus, John is ideally positioned to foster key relationships with clients and their advisers in his new business development role in the UK.
What continues to drive John? The key is in his job title. He thrives on identifying and delivering tailored solutions for his clients, whether traditional or innovative. Drawing on TrustQore’s global network, John ensures that the most effective solutions are always at hand. And to this wide range of services and world class expertise, he adds his own extensive knowledge and experience.
Though John’s role at TrustQore is primarily UK-based, he actively encourages clients and advisers from across Europe and beyond to reach out. He highlights TrustQore’s collaborative approach – a core value within the group – working closely with colleagues worldwide to provide the best solutions, regardless of location.
John is enthusiastic about business development, cultivating long-term client relationships, and driving growth through strategic partnerships and bespoke fiduciary services. His focus is on unlocking new market opportunities, elevating TrustQore’s UK presence, and delivering innovative, client-centric services that support wealth preservation and business success.
While, of course, John can assist clients with a wide range of traditional fiduciary services, such as companies and trusts in all their forms, his immediate priority is to capitalise on the exciting opportunities emerging from foreign inward investment in Africa. The use of Mauritius funds presents a particularly effective strategy, and John is eager to collaborate with his colleagues to provide innovative, yet cost-effective solutions for clients eager to explore this avenue.
Outside work, this 40-something married father of two is a nature enthusiast and doubtless stemming from his Manx heritage, is a lover of the great outdoors. He has travelled extensively around the globe and is a resolute wellness advocate. John actively promotes a healthy work life balance and a sense of well-being. In his new role he looks forward to enthusing colleagues in the same way, to the benefit of the entire team.
Although recently appointed, John is already bringing his wealth of experience and enthusiasm to his new position. The results speak for themselves, and there is no doubt that TrustQore has made another outstanding decision. Contact John directly to arrange an appointment.