Lee Branston has received the ‘qualification of choice’ for discretionary portfolio managers.

Lee joined the WHIreland International Wealth Investment team in September 2016 as an assistant portfolio manager.

Lee and the team is based at St George’s Tower, Hope Street, Douglas.

It was a pivotal time in WHIreland’s development as the business looked to increase its profile.

David Bushe, head of investments, international, said: ‘Over the last year Lee has put considerable effort into his studies around his day job and sat the paper on the island in June.

‘As a business, WHIreland is very keen that all our clients receive the highest levels of service and investment expertise, and Lee’s success is a demonstration of our commitment to developing highly qualified investment personnel in the island.’

Lee passed the level 6 PCIAM qualification.

PCIAM is short for Private Client Investment Advice and Management. It is the preferred qualification for portfolio managers to demonstrate a broader understanding of the principles of private client investment advice.

Mr Bushe said: ‘All our island-based investment managers are qualified to level 6 or above.

‘In order for the discretionary investment management sector to grow in the island we need to give more candidates the opportunity to follow in Lee’s footsteps while ensuring the continued success and contribution from the sector to the island’s economy.’