It’s all about you: The Private Banking experience

Personalised, one-to-one relationships have always been at the heart of our award-winning BNZ Private Banking service, enabling us to deliver tailored services to high-net-worth individuals, families, and business owners. To gain insight into the true value of this approach, I sat down with Jen Jones, a successful entrepreneur and BNZ Private Bank client, to hear her perspective.

In 2023, Jen – founder of the project management company Nine Yards Consulting (NYC) – was looking for a banking partner that would better support her evolving business and family needs.

Her bank at the time was unable to help, despite Jen being a long-term customer with a proven track record. With exciting opportunities on the horizon, such as her new venture, Auckland Design Week (ADW), Jen wanted a bank that would provide her with more support and better understanding.

Making the switch

For many, the thought of switching banks can seem overwhelming. But Jen said her experience was anything but stressful:

“BNZ’s understanding of our unique situation made the transition incredibly smooth. We had all our accounts set up in advance, which meant the process was seamless. It could have been an administrative nightmare moving multiple personal, business and trust accounts for a family of four, but it wasn’t.”
— Jen Jones, Auckland Design Week Founder.

Her Private Banking team ensured every transition was tailored to her needs – not just mirroring existing processes, but seeking to refine them. Her dedicated Private Banker took the time to understand her needs and goals, then handled the process for her.

Big picture banking

Before joining BNZ, Jen had been running her successful NYC business for four years. She had also founded and sold another business she’d built, proving her abilities at seeing opportunities and turning them into successes.

Jen was looking for a bank that would partner with her and her family, were prepared to flex with the evolving needs of her growing family and business and offer out-of-the-box solutions.

The BNZ team took a broad approach, we assess the full scope of our clients’ lives to ensure the financial strategies align with their broader personal and business plans. For Jen, this meant factoring in future projects and expected revenue from both NYC and ADW to support her growth ambition.

“BNZ demonstrated the more flexible, forward-thinking approach I was looking for. Their adaptability and out-of-the-box thinking helped position our family and business to move forward with our financial goals” Jen recalled.

A proactive partnership

When we first met with Jen, we knew ADW posed unique challenges as a start-up venture. But we also saw the huge potential. It was clear Jen wanted to maintain control over ADW as it grew, so together we created a financial strategy allowing her to seize opportunities for expansion whilst retaining full ownership.

Jen says she has consistently valued this proactive approach:
“It can be quite intimidating, starting a business. I definitely felt an element of imposter syndrome, wondering if I was asking for something unrealistic, and I would have struggled talking to my previous private banker about ADW and what I needed. But the BNZ team are very approachable, and understand the challenges of a start-up meaning they could craft solutions that help me pursue growth whilst retaining full ownership. Their relationship-driven, proactive approach has and continues to make me feel truly valued.”

One of the greatest aspects of working with entrepreneurial clients like Jen is the opportunity to be part of their journey. We’re not just here to respond to requests – we’re here to anticipate the hurdles they may face and proactively provide support.

“My advice to other women in business is to not shy away from asking for support – whether that’s from a banker, mentor, or network. Surround yourself with people who believe in your vision and understand your challenges, both personally and professionally.”

Together, we’ll find a way

At BNZ, we know Jen’s success extends beyond her business – it has the potential to elevate Auckland’s entire design community. Her goal is to make ADW an internationally recognised event, and we’re proud to be part of that mission.

Collaboration is at the core of what we do. Beyond a dedicated Private Banker, clients have access to a network of experts across fields. Jen has found this invaluable in navigating growth:

“BNZ’s Private Banking team isn’t just there for the financial side. They’ve connected me with specialists who understand the nuances of my business. Having access to this support has been critical. I always know I have a team of experts behind me.”

Jen’s experience highlights the value of having a Private Banker who goes beyond traditional services, and as ADW continues to grow, Jen’s recommendation to fellow entrepreneurs is:

“Don’t underestimate the importance of building strong relationships with financial partners like BNZ. They can help you overcome obstacles and achieve your goals.”

To learn more, contact your closest Private Banking Specialist or have a look at the BNZ Private Bank webpage.

Image courtesy of Luke FM Photography

Disclaimer: Any views expressed in this article are the personal views of Olivia Sutton and do not necessarily represent the views of BNZ, or its related entities. This article is solely for information purposes and is not intended to be financial advice. If you need help, please contact BNZ or your financial adviser. Neither BNZ nor any person involved in this article accepts any liability for any direct or indirect loss or damage arising out of the use of, or reliance on, all or any part of the content.

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