J Desmond O’Driscoll BA(Hons) APFS
Chartered Financial Planner
Years in Financial Services: 33+
Desmond has been a Chartered Financial Planner for almost 20 years. Prior to this he worked for several major life offices as an Adviser and Consultant at a senior level.
Desmond is an Associate of the Personal Finance Society and has advanced qualifications in Investment Planning and Pensions, in addition to qualifications to advise on Equity Release and Long-Term Care products.
Outside of work his interests include cycling, climbing the occasional mountain and supporting his local football team.
Areas of expertise: Pensions, Retirement Planning, Investments, Tax Planning & Protection
Kazue Drury APFS
Chartered Financial Planner
Years in Financial Services: 33+
Kazue became an Independent Financial Adviser in 2003 and joined Lighthouse Financial Initiatives in 2004. Prior to this she had 15 years’ experience with global investment banks including Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan and HSBC, advising institutional clients. Kazue attained Chartered Financial Planner status in 2014.
She is also a qualified financial planner in Japan and a member of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the UK. She is the only Japanese Chartered Financial Planner in the UK.
Outside of work her interests include tennis and sailing.
Areas of expertise: Investments and Pensions, Retirement and Tax Planning, and Employee Benefits Schemes.
Gary Nash BA(Hons) APFS
Chartered Financial Planner
Years in Financial Services: 16+
Gary became a Financial Planner after graduating from The University of Exeter in 2006 with a degree in History. Gary completed the certificate in Financial Planning in 2008 and the Diploma in Financial Planning in 2012. In 2019, he completed the Advanced Diploma and acquired Chartered Status. He is also qualified to advise on equity release and long-term care products.
Outside of work Gary is a keen football fan, and enjoys spending time with his wife and two young children.
Areas of expertise: Pensions, Retirement Planning, Investments, Tax Planning, Protection, Long Term Care and Equity Release
Jack Jennings BA(Hons) DipPFS
Independent Financial Adviser
Years in Financial Services: 10+
Jack joined Financial Initiatives in 2012 after graduating from The University of Sheffield with a degree in Economics and Management.
Jack completed his Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning with the Chartered Insurance Institute in June 2015. Presently, Jack is working towards attaining Chartered Financial Planner status and is a registered member of the Personal Finance Society.
Outside of work his interests include bouldering and swimming.
Areas of expertise: Pensions, Retirement Planning, Investments, Tax Planning & Protection
Nicholas Sanders BSc (Hons) DipPFS, Certs CII (MP & ER)
Independent Financial Adviser
Years in Financial Services: 5+
Nick began his career in financial services in 2019 after graduating from The University of Sussex with a degree in Economics. He completed his Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning with the Chartered Insurance Institute in 2020 and is a registered member of the Personal Finance Society.
Nick joined Financial Initiatives in 2021 and is qualified to advise on Equity Release (Lifetime Mortgages).
Outside of work, he enjoys cooking, football and tennis as well as spending time with his family.
Areas of expertise: Investments and Pensions, Retirement Planning, Tax Planning, Protection & Equity Release (Lifetime Mortgages)
Julia Rie Church BA(Hons) DipPFS
Independent Financial Adviser
Years in Financial Services: 15+
Julia joined Financial Initiatives in 2019 and brings a wealth of experience from her time in the finance industry. She previously worked as Vice President of Investor Relations for a global investment bank in London. Julia has completed the Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning and is an Independent Financial Adviser.
Outside of work, Julia enjoys swimming, hiking, and spending time with her husband, daughter, and their German Shepherd, Rainbow.
Area of expertise: Pensions, Retirement Planning, Investments, Tax Planning, and Protection.
Ryoko Takayanagi DipPFS
Independent Financial Adviser
Years in Financial Services: 15+
Ryoko joined Financial Initiatives in 2024 after completing her Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning with the Chartered Insurance Institute. Prior to this she had 15 years’ experience with global financial institutions including Wellington Management, UBS and AXA.
Outside of work, Ryoko is a passionate foodie who loves exploring the city’s culinary delights and cherishes spending time with her young son.
Area of expertise: Pensions, Retirement Planning, Investments, Tax planning & Protection