Portia Patel's Story

The best example of our values are the people who work here.

An independent thinker and Oxford graduate, Portia Patel took a career path that landed her in the center of the financial industry—not exactly a surprise, considering she remembers being captivated by the markets at an early age. Add to that her logical, analytical approach, a love for research, and a work ethic instilled by her parents who had emigrated from East Africa, and you have an individual who now thrives in her role as Director, Equity Research, in our capital markets London office.

Born and raised in Kent, Portia had a happy, grounded childhood. "My parents still live in the same house today," she says, referring to the stability of her upbringing. After Oxford, she went on to receive her Master's in Economics from University College London, then dove headfirst into the business with a research position at RBC.

Portia has an unmistakably rare and unique combination of character strengths. "I'm not afraid to be the lone voice if necessary, to challenge the consensus. It can be lonely, but if you've done your research, you will be vindicated." She is drawn to the entrepreneurial nature of CG’s culture, perhaps because it's a reflection of her own independent spirit. "We are given the freedom and responsibility to make business opportunities happen, to execute on them."

But it's not all business and research for Portia. She places a high priority on her personal life as well, believing wellness and balance to be hugely important. She loves the outdoors, hiking, snowboarding and, "traveling to lesser-known destinations." In addition, she holds mentorship in high regard, especially for young women in the industry. "If anyone, especially a younger colleague, needs support, counsel, advice...I want them to know they can come to me. I want to help."

When you know Portia, you know our values.