The Future Of Finance
Tatler Singapore|January 2024
Christopher Forbes, the head of CMC Invest Singapore, shares how the platform's innovative and transparent features help its clients build long-term wealth in a volatile financial landscape
Nafeesa Saini
The Future Of Finance

It seems Christopher Forbes was destined for a career in finance. Growing up in London’s Zone 4, the head of CMC Invest Singapore was surrounded by people who worked in the city. “I was destined to follow the same path, especially with a surname like mine,” he shares.

Forbes, a keen sports enthusiast, draws parallels between himself and successful athletes. He notes that many of them hail from lower socio‑economic backgrounds and use sports as a way to better their lives, opining that “athletes from underprivileged backgrounds [tend to] do better than those from privileged ones because they [are driven] to better their lives”. He identifies with that because he, too, “came from modest beginnings”.

As a teenager, he worked in the city and caddied at a golf club where a majority of its members were involved in financial services. “I didn’t come from a huge network of wealth, so this job meant being able to buy things that, as a teenager, I regarded as important, such as new golf clubs and a nice car,” he says.

After university, he started his career on the Morgan Stanley graduate scheme and later served as the head of trading at Clermont Group, the family office of billionaire Richard Chandler, before founding Zavian Capital, a wealth management business in Singapore. In his current role as head of CMC Invest Singapore, the online and mobile trading platform under leading global online financial services business CMC Markets, Forbes plays a crucial role in steering the company through the changing landscape of financial services.

This story is from the January 2024 edition of Tatler Singapore.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the January 2024 edition of Tatler Singapore.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM TATLER SINGAPOREView All
Old-World CHARM
Tatler Singapore

Old-World CHARM

Professional photographer and content creator Zipeng Lee takes off to Switzerland to experience some of the country’s most storied heritage hotels

time-read
4 mins  |
October 2024
THE World ACCORDING TO Redzepi
Tatler Singapore

THE World ACCORDING TO Redzepi

Renowned Noma chef René Redzepi and executive producer Matt Goulding unpack Apple TV's new eight-part docuseries, Omnivore, and its exploration of humanity through food

time-read
5 mins  |
October 2024
COURAGE OF CONVICTION
Tatler Singapore

COURAGE OF CONVICTION

Tatler speaks to Bing Chen, Prabal Gurung and Kevin Lin to discuss how their non-profit Gold House is changing the future of the Asian diaspora

time-read
8 mins  |
October 2024
INDUSTRIALI
Tatler Singapore

INDUSTRIALI

Exploring the important sustainability efforts taking place beyond obvious industries

time-read
8 mins  |
October 2024
THE BALL'S INHER COURT
Tatler Singapore

THE BALL'S INHER COURT

China's most celebrated tennis star Li Na opens up about her career, influencing young athletes and her continuous learning journey

time-read
6 mins  |
October 2024
Love Story
Tatler Singapore

Love Story

Set in Paris, Graff's new bridal campaign marries the timelessness of love and diamonds

time-read
3 mins  |
October 2024
Over the Rainbow
Tatler Singapore

Over the Rainbow

The inspirations behind Hermés creative director for jewellery Pierre Hardy's latest and gorgeously colourful high jewellery collection surprise and delight

time-read
4 mins  |
October 2024
Twist and Turn
Tatler Singapore

Twist and Turn

Bvlgari's debut Tubogas jewellery collection reimagines a classic technique with 16 stunning creations

time-read
5 mins  |
October 2024
Game On
Tatler Singapore

Game On

From diamond‑set carabiner‑inspired clasps to a carbon fibre cuff, Chanel knocks it out of the park with Sport, an audacious and innovative high jewellery collection unlike any other

time-read
6 mins  |
October 2024
The Wrist Taker
Tatler Singapore

The Wrist Taker

Shipping scion and basketball team owner Hendi Widodo unlocks his vault of rarefied timepieces

time-read
3 mins  |
October 2024