Q&A

Day in the life of an Adviser: Mark Havens, Evans & Partners

With over 30 years of industry experience, Mark Havens, Senior Advisor at Evan & Partners, has carved out a career that blends deep market expertise with a strong client focus. Advising on offshore equities like Apple, Microsoft, and Nvidia, Mark brings a global lens to wealth management, and a passion for helping clients navigate the ever-evolving investment landscape

Tell us about your role

I help clients invest in international shares, mainly in large global companies. My day-to-day involves researching markets and specific stocks, speaking with clients, and constantly looking for new investment ideas that could benefit their portfolios.

Every day is different, but I usually start by reviewing market news and research. I spend a lot of time talking to clients about their investments, and exploring new opportunities. It’s a fast-paced environment, and there’s always something new to learn or respond to.

What’s the most exciting part of your job?

The atmosphere – markets are exciting and ever evolving which keeps the work interesting. I also enjoy working with colleagues to brainstorm and develop new investment strategies.

What’s the biggest challenge you face, and how do you handle it?

When stock calls don’t go the ‘right’ way. When that happens, I take a step back to figure out what went wrong, and explain it clearly to the client. Being honest and transparent builds trust, even when the outcome isn’t ideal.

What skills are most important in your role?

You need a strong understanding of how markets work, and how they affect client portfolios. The non-technical is the critical part – building relationships, communicating clearly, and earning trust.

The non-technical is the critical part.

How did you get into wealth management?

I started out in New York, trading international stocks at a big investment bank. Later, I moved to Sydney and worked for a fund manager. Over time, I realised I wanted to work more closely with clients, and wealth management gave me the chance to combine both market knowledge and client interaction.

What advice would you give someone starting a career in wealth management?

Working in wealth is like running your business or franchise within a larger organisation. It can be a really rewarding career, but it takes time to build your client base and earn their trust. Be patient, and stay committed.

If you could go back to the start of your career, would you do anything differently?

Overall, I’ve been lucky with my career path. But if I could change one thing, I’d ask more questions early on, especially in areas where I wasn’t as confident.

Mark’s current inspiration

What’s the best thing you’ve read lately?

Two books stand out: Chip War by Chris Miller, which explores the global race for semiconductor technology, and Shoe Dog by Phil Knight, the founder of Nike.

What’s one trend or topic that’s caught your attention recently?

Artificial intelligence and semiconductors. They’re changing the way we think about technology and investing.

Want to know more about careers in wealth management?

Check out these resources to learn more about this rewarding career path:

Flash-mentoring opportunity – sign up for meaningful industry conversations on investment advice
Typical career stages – milestones, training, daily tasks and pathways
Reasons why wealth management is a great career choice for women

Working in wealth is like running your business or franchise within a larger organisation.

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