At Bray Wealth Management, our people are at the heart of what we do. That’s why we created this team member spotlight series, to give you an insight into the various advisers and support staff who help to manage your financial plan and ensure you achieve your goals in life.
This month, we’re shining a spotlight on our managing director and Chartered financial planner, Nick Swartout.
1. What is your role at Bray Wealth Management?
As managing director, I lead the business while continuing to do the work I love most – supporting clients with their financial planning.
Day to day, I help individuals and families gain clarity and confidence about their financial future. It’s not just about seeking to grow wealth, but about planning for life and making sure clients can achieve the lifestyle they want today, without compromising their future.
Whether it’s building long-term plans or responding to changing circumstances, I always aim to be proactive, not reactive, giving clients confidence that someone is thinking ahead on their behalf.
2. What first attracted you to your career and what steps did you take to reach your current position?
I’ve always enjoyed helping people make sense of complexity and financial planning offered a way to do that, with real impact on people’s lives.
My journey began in mortgage advice back in 2004, but it wasn’t long before I realised my passion lay in holistic financial planning. Over the years, I’ve focused on building long-term relationships – not just transactions – and it’s those relationships, based on trust and integrity, which have shaped my career and the culture at Bray Wealth Management.
3. What qualifications and professional training do you have that helps you support clients?
I’m a Chartered financial planner and a fellow of the Personal Finance Society, with additional accreditations from the Society of Later Life Advisers (SOLLA) and the Society for Trusts and Estate Practitioners (STEP). I’ve also been a finalist and semi-finalist in the Chartered Financial Planner of the Year awards. I continuously invest in learning and development – whether that’s through the Strategic Coach programme or wider reading – because we grow together.
The world is changing, and staying sharp helps me deliver the best advice and guidance for our clients.
4. What is the most rewarding part of your role at Bray Wealth Management?
Without question, it’s seeing the impact of a well-built financial plan. During uncertain times – market volatility, illness, or major life transitions – I’ve had clients tell me, “I feel calmer just speaking to you.”
That kind of reassurance doesn’t come from guesswork. It comes from planning ahead, having honest conversations, and staying focused on what truly matters. We’re not afraid of the tough conversations either because real financial planning means putting a client’s best interests first, even when the message isn’t easy to hear.
5. What are your biggest professional goals for the next year?
One of my key goals this year is to support the next generation, both within my team and in the wider community. I’m passionate about mentoring, helping young professionals grow into their potential, and giving back through charitable or community-based work. Whether someone is just starting out or looking to take their next step, I believe in being selective about where we focus. But once we commit, we give it everything.
6. What are you most excited about outside of work over the next year?
Travel is something I always look forward to. This year includes the MDRT Annual Meeting in Miami and the Top of the Table conference in Arizona. These events offer a chance to learn, grow, and bring back ideas that raise the bar for our clients.
Closer to home, I’m making a more intentional effort to focus on health and wellbeing, carving out time for things that restore balance and energy. And I’m looking forward to spending meaningful time with family, including planning something special for my wife’s big birthday later this year.
Quick-fire Q&A
- Go-to coffee order? – Flat white, strong and smooth, no sugar.
- Favourite travel destination? – Barbados – sunshine, great food, amazing people and total relaxation.
- Hidden talent? – I will give anything a go but I’m actually pretty good around the house with DIY.
- Most used app? – Spotify.
- Weekend treat? – A round of golf (if the weather behaves) followed by a pint with friends.
- What motivates you? – Helping people feel in control of their future and seeing the people around me grow and thrive.
We’ll be back with more of these team member spotlight articles in the future, so you can continue learning about the people behind your financial plan.
Approved by the Openwork Partnership on 24/04/2025
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