Debra Lopez takes up her new post at FirstCaribbean in January. - file

Debra Lopez who joins FirstCaribbean International Bank (FCIB) on January 2 has been tasked with building up business for the Jamaican operation's wealth management operation, a job that includes leveraging the bank's nascent but promising international mortgage portfolio.

In fact, FirstCaribbean has signaled that it expects Lopez, who has worked with one of the largest brokerage houses in Jamaica, to lift the profile of its local wealth management unit to place it among the top players.

Her appointment, according to Jan-Arne Farstad, managing director of FCIB Wealth Management, was a 'strategic hiring decision'.

"Debra joins us with a distinguished record of accomplishments in wealth management, both regionally and internationally," said Farstad. "I am confident that she will take the business to next level where FirstCaribbean becomes recognised as the wealth manager of choice for Jamaica."

Lopez was wooed from NCB Capital Markets Limited where she worked with Chris Williams as his vice-president of Wealth Management and Distribution. She was credited with building up business for the brokerage and its parent bank, in Jamaica as well as in overseas markets.

Value in appointment

Her new title at FCIB is director of wealth management.

Milton Brady, managing director of FCIB Jamaica also sees value in Lopez's appointment, saying that the bank's range of investment products and services has been "somewhat limited."

"Our plan", said Brady, "is to leverage our regional and international resources and business partners to bring to market, a complete suite of 'best of class' products and services. Based on her experience and accomplishments, Debra is ideally suited to lead FirstCaribbean's thrust to become a major player in the lucrative wealth management segment."

business@gleanerjm.com