Hoxton Wealth’s Unique Approach to Wealth Management

In a recent Hoxton Life Podcast episode, Sam Oakes spoke with Lalit Mangalarapu , who shared his journey of becoming a trainee wealth manager with Hoxton Wealth . Starting his training in the St. Albans office in the UK, Lalith spent six foundational months developing the skills and insights needed to thrive in wealth management. When the opportunity arose to explore Dubai’s dynamic financial market, Lalith took a two-week trip to assess whether it was the right fit. Captivated by the unique challenges and vibrant opportunities, he committed to relocating to Dubai to continue his role.

From St. Albans to Dubai: Taking the Leap

Reflecting on his initial months at Hoxton Wealth’s St. Albans office, Lalith explains that these six months set a crucial foundation. He shares;

“Those initial months taught me the basics and helped me understand Hoxton Wealth’s approach to client care, which was invaluable.”

Training in the UK provided him with hands-on experience and a deep understanding of the company culture. However, the opportunity to expand his horizons in Dubai piqued his interest.

His two-week visit to Dubai allowed him to experience firsthand what life as a wealth manager in an international market would entail. “Those two weeks were eye-opening,” Lalith reflects. The experience solidified his decision, and he returned to the UAE with a renewed focus on succeeding in his trainee role within Hoxton Wealth’s Dubai office.

““The energy, the diversity of clients, and the scope of financial planning needed in Dubai were all elements that pushed me to make the move.”

A Focus on Business Development

The trainee wealth manager role at Hoxton Wealth emphasises a vital aspect of the financial planning profession: business development. As Lalith shares, the role focuses on building essential skills through research, lead generation, and cultivating referrals—arguably some of the toughest, yet most critical, parts of the job. Lalith explains;

“A lot of training programmes overlook business development, but at Hoxton Wealth, they make sure you learn how to generate business from the ground up.”

By tackling these areas early in his career, Lalith has gained a deeper understanding of what it takes to sustain long-term success. Through targeted research, he learns to identify potential clients and understand market needs. Lead generation training enables him to build pipelines effectively, while a focus on referrals teaches him how to maintain strong client relationships and build trust that translates into recommendations. “You learn how to bring value to clients and build trust from day one,” Lalith says, adding that these skills have been instrumental in helping him create meaningful connections in Dubai’s competitive market.

Key Traits for Success as a Trainee Wealth Manager

During the episode, Sam Oakes asked Lalith about the qualities he believes are essential for success in a role like his. Lalith emphasised three main traits: resilience, adaptability, and curiosity. For him, resilience means learning from challenges, handling setbacks positively, and staying committed, especially when starting in a demanding profession.

“Resilience is essential because this is not a role where success comes overnight,”

Adaptability is also essential, particularly when working in an international hub like Dubai. “Each client is different, and flexibility in your approach is key,” he says. Dubai’s diverse market demands that wealth managers understand varying financial mindsets and priorities, which Lalith sees as a unique opportunity to grow.

Finally, Lalith underscores the importance of curiosity. “Finance is complex, and to deliver the best advice, you need a genuine interest in your clients' lives and the markets,” he says. Curiosity not only keeps him engaged but also helps him deliver financial strategies that are truly personalised.

Embracing the Future

Lalith’s journey is defined by a thoughtful and deliberate approach to career growth. Unlike many in the profession, he is not rushing to become a financial planner. Instead, he is currently working towards his Level 4 qualifications and focusing on learning the processes that will eventually make him a successful planner. This steady approach, he explains, is a key part of building a sustainable career. Each stage of training offers an opportunity to observe, ask questions, and fine-tune his approach.

For Lalith, success is as much about learning from others as it is about his own development. By building knowledge incrementally and learning from experienced colleagues, he is gaining a well-rounded perspective on what it truly takes to thrive in the financial planning profession. “I’m absorbing as much as I can, working alongside skilled planners, and keeping my goals realistic,” he explains. This approach is about more than just earning a title—it’s about developing the skills, patience, and understanding that will make him effective in the long term. Through this balanced approach, he is building a solid foundation for a career defined by expertise, client trust, and professional growth, one step at a time.

In Sam Oakes’ words, Lalith’s journey reflects the essence of what Hoxton Life aims to showcase: the real stories behind the financial planners who bring diverse perspectives and unique journeys to the international financial advisory space. Lalith’s story serves as an inspiring blueprint for other aspiring wealth managers—reminding them that success is built not only on knowledge but also on an openness to learn and grow in a rapidly changing profession.

Interested in building a career as a trainee wealth manager with Hoxton Wealth? Apply now to join our dynamic team and begin your own journey in international financial planning.