Dryden Partners is dedicated to serving the needs of its clients by providing a full range of financial planning services.
We owe it to our clients to always operate in their best interests. When clients choose Dryden Partners, we seek to eliminate any possible conflicts of interest affecting the management of their money and the location of their money. Our financial advisors are not rewarded for product sales. We strive to keep costs to a minimum and to maintain total openness on our fees, which are detailed on our account opening booklet.
We educate investors on the true meaning of fiduciary duty at a time when it is more critical than ever.
“Dryden Partners focus is exclusively on our clients and their success.”
We believe in giving back to the communities we serve.
Tribute to Our Founder – John Dryden
1955 - 2020
At the end of an illustrious career, John Dryden formed Dryden Partners with a desire to help others find a satisfying "second act" after retirement.
After leaving Morgan Stanley in 2012, John Dryden had $150 million in assets under his control (AUA). Dryden Partners now manages $1.1 billion (AUM). The company's headquarters is based in Taipei, Taiwan, with a brand-new office opening in Zurich, Switzerland, in the fourth quarter of 2022 in memory of Mr. John Dryden.
According to those who worked with him, John was one of the nicest persons to ever enter Dryden Partners, with no ego and nothing but a passion for leading the company to provide the finest possible customer service. He had a profound effect on many people's lives because of the knowledge, modesty, and charity he exhibited. Dryden Partners is a family and employee-owned wealth management organization, and he was a great believer in these values.
Throughout his struggle with lung cancer John demonstrated tenacity, humour, and a never-give-up attitude. These same qualities enabled him to develop a world-class leadership team to continue on his vision and legacy for the business and its clients. To address the need for a more stable management structure, John has named his son Steve Dryden as Chairman, Patrick Paulson and James Clarke as Managing Partners "The leadership of Steve, Patrick and James will position the company for our next strategic development phase. With a focus on the firm's core business, Steve Patrick and James will continue their close collaboration with Dryden Partners staff moving forward.
Mr John Dryden’s legacy lives on through Dryden Partners. To his loved ones, former colleagues, the wealth management sector, and all of his friends and colleagues, his death is a great loss. We will always be thankful for the example he set for us, and we know that his spirit will continue to inspire us all.
With our greatest gratitude and most heartfelt thoughts,
Members of Dryden Partners.
Steve Dryden
Chairman
Steve Dryden is the Chairman of Dryden Partners and has been a member of the firm's Board of Directors since its creation in 2013. Steve was the company's President from its establishment until 2020, when he was appointed Chairman of the Board. Steve Dryden is in charge of the firm's operations, investment research, and portfolio management. Before joining Dryden Partners, he worked for two decades at Lloyd's of London as managing director, portfolio manager, and co-manager of the public equities portfolio, he was accountable for all elements of investment decision-making. Steve Dryden leverages his unparalleled industry knowledge to deliver complete investment advice and financial planning services to high-net-worth individuals and families. Through years of experience in the financial services sector, he has acquired and honed substantial business, finance, and leadership abilities. These abilities, along with Steve's broad understanding of our sector, allow him to give our board of directors with significant insights into our strategic direction. Steve and his wife Linda are a happy family, and he values the time they have together very much. His eldest child, Ethan, is now 23, and his youngest, Rebecca, is 20. He is a member of several sports organizations and enjoys spending his free time hunting and fly fishing. Steve Dryden graduated from the University of Cambridge with a BA in Philosophy and an MBA in Finance.
James Clarke
Managing Partner
James Clarke is the Managing Partner of Dryden Partners and has over 20 years of experience collaborating with clients to assist them in achieving their financial objectives. James manages firm-wide client development, became a shareholder in 2018 and was later named Managing Partner. He is a firm believer that long-term, trusting connections with clients are critical to business success. James’s devoted clientele include dedicated individuals, company owners, and families seeking to grow and protect their nest egg. James has evolved the business into a sophisticated boutique Wealth Management company focused on providing clients with unique solutions. James's credentials as a member of our board of directors include, among other things, his considerable expertise in the investment management sector, company growth, corporate strategy, and international finance (both public and private). At the University of Cambridge, James received both a Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) and a Master of Science (M.S.) in Finance. As a result, he is able to provide the board with a unique perspective on the significance of client service and customer satisfaction in the asset management industry, as well as a thorough awareness of the operational challenges that come with running a company. James is passionate in vintage automobiles and boat racing.
Charles Dunn
Chief Executive Officer
As CEO, Charles is responsible for expanding Dryden Partners by leveraging his talents and expertise in strategic planning, structure, fast growth, and innovation. He has a track record of repositioning and developing organizations, profitably scaling enterprises, and directing big growth efforts across multi-site contexts involving mergers and acquisitions. Charles is a leader with a unique blend of industry knowledge in financial technology. Charles was a partner at Goldman Sachs, where he held many executive roles before joining Dryden Partners. Charles established and led Goldman's private equity operations across Asia, contributing to the firm's growth in the region. These positions included leading the firm's private equity business in Asia and its worldwide leveraged finance department. His objective, working closely with the whole Dryden Partners team, is to continue to build on the tremendous momentum generated by Dryden Partners' core business. Charles brings to our board of directors a wealth of expertise and insight into the financial services industry as a result of his many years of experience in business, finance, and leadership roles within the sector, including his time spent guiding our strategic direction as CEO. Charles is married with three children and enjoys golf, cycling, skiing, and traveling.
Joan Benning
Chief Financial Officer
As Chief Financial Officer, Joan offers leadership and advice on all strategic and financial topics, including but not limited to reporting, budgeting, compliance, controls, taxes, audits, benefits, risk management, process improvements, capital project appraisal, and finance/banking. Joan is a certified public accountant with a Bachelor of Science from Oxford University. Joan has served on the boards of directors of many other public businesses and offers managerial expertise from significant national and international diversified financial services organizations including conventional banking, real estate, insurance, and asset management services. When it comes to monitoring our worldwide operations, corporate governance, and risk management, Joan brings a fresh perspective and new insights to our board of directors. Reading, gardening, and quality time with her family are some of Joan's favourite things to do in her leisure time.
Derek Lewis
President, Head of Mergers & Acquisitions
As President and Head of Mergers & Acquisitions, Derek uses his 20 years of business expertise to focus on our strategic growth goals. Prior to joining Dryden Partners, he worked for a multi-family office specializing in alternative assets (hedge funds, private equity, oil and gas, both locally and internationally. Derek finds great satisfaction in building personal relationships with clients. During his ten years there, he held a variety of positions, including Director of Research and Client Service, before finally becoming President. Derek has a Bachelor of Science in Finance and MBA from University of Stanford.
Lana Roberts
Chief Compliance Officer
Lana Roberts joined Dryden Partners in 2013 and brought 24 years of experience in the financial services industry. Lana is a vital element where she is in charge of the firm's regulatory compliance. Her role at Dryden Partners is responsible for following and implementing rules and regulations with an emphasis on Compliance.
Lana and her husband Henry are avid coffee drinkers who also like hiking, sports, and travel. Lana has been a leader in volunteering for family organization. She also enjoys training for and competing in triathlons. Lana is the youngest of eight children and a twin. She believes that growing up in a large family taught her the most about selflessness.
Naveen Singh
Managing Director, Human Resources
As Managing Director, Human Resources at Dryden Partners, Naveen uses his 29 years of experience in the industry, including 14 years of people management, to develop and implement HR processes, formalize career paths for all Dryden Partners positions, assist with annual goals, and aid in the recruitment of talented individuals. In his previous position at UBS, Naveen built a stellar reputation as a Wealth Management Vice President.
James Scott
Director, Wealth Management
As a Director, Wealth Management, Scott establishes and maintains valuable client relationships by building and executing tailored financial plans to meet each client's unique needs. He earned a BS in Finance from the University of Cambridge. Scott formerly worked as a Client Relationship Manager at Blackrock. The pleasures of life, such as travel, hobbies, and time with family, are blessings that people who work hard often overlook. Scott collaborates with his clients to ensure that life's pleasures are included in the financial plan. Scott was born in the Swiss city of Zurich. Scott and his wife, Brenda, are sports enthusiasts who enjoy rooting for Roger Federer play at Wimbledon and the US open in their spare time.
James Bauer
Senior Wealth Manager
James handles our valued client relationships as a Senior Wealth Manager by establishing and executing personalized financial strategies to fit each client's specific requirements. James joined Dryden Partners in 2012. His primary emphasis is advising a loyal clientele on lifetime wealth management methods to assist them accomplish their 'Future Perfect' objectives. His consultative yet affable style and tight working connection with his clients have enabled him to establish a powerful ecosystem of technical specialists to assist those he works with and suit their particular demands. Personal attention and a goal-oriented approach to investment management have defined his 18 years of experience. James has a strong grasp of the financial markets, he began his career in 2004 and spent the most of that time as a Senior Account Executive at a prominent national asset management organization. James has a strong personal interest in extracurricular activities, including golf, cycling, jogging, and outdoor camping. James, who is originally from Cambridge, UK, graduated from The University of Cambridge with a bachelor's degree in finance. James is a devoted parent and husband who volunteers for a variety of organizations.
John Klaasen
Senior Wealth Manager
John is a senior wealth manager at Dryden Partners, he is dependable and committed to his job. John has extensive experience working as a consultant for some of the world's leading investment banks in London before beginning his career as a Financial Advisor. As a Senior Wealth Manager with over eleven years of experience, John is in charge of our most valuable client relationships, developing and implementing tailored financial plans to meet each client's unique needs. In 2016, John became a member of Dryden Partners. For the previous five years, he served as a Financial Consultant for a large national asset management firm, where he advised a wide range of clients on their financial strategies and provided them with tailored solutions. John, a married father of two, was born in London to a British mother and a South African father. He went to school in the city and graduated from University College London with a bachelor's degree in finance. He plays golf and rock climbs but his true passion is preparing Billtong, a South African delicacy, to reminisce about his time spent there.
Peter Jenkins
Senior Wealth Manager
Jenkins is committed to meeting his clients' needs and performing due diligence on their behalf whenever possible. He holds himself accountable for the client relationships he manages and strives to educate the client at all times. Jenkins joined the Dryden Partners team of professionals in 2017 with over 10 years of experience in the financial services industry. Prior to joining Dryden Partners, he worked for a large financial services corporation as a senior investment management consultant, retirement plan specialist, and guided portfolio manager. Jenkins is a dedicated family man who volunteers for several local charities. Jenkins graduated from The University of Cambridge with a bachelor's degree in finance.
Sean Walsh
Senior Wealth Manager
Sean, a Senior Wealth Manager at Dryden Partners, he is an expert in advising people on how to prioritize their spending and save money so that they may achieve their goals in life. Sean joined Dryden Partners in 2014. Prior to that, he worked as an Investment Representative and Financial Consultant for a big national asset management organization. In a broader sense, Sean supports high-net-worth clients who are ambitious about their financial well-being by simplifying their complicated financial circumstances, relieving the burden of decision-making, and providing them with a feeling of confidence in their pursuits. Sean has a BA in Business Administration from Trinity College Dublin; his major was finance and business economics. Sean, a golfer with a handicap in the single digits, spends much of his free time off playing in the rough on courses all around Taipei City.
Laura Wang
Senior Wealth Manager
Wang is a recently promoted Senior Wealth Manager that provides her clients with comprehensive and personalised financial advice. Wang addresses each client with the utmost attention, all the while keeping an eye on the broader picture, which is one of her most notable abilities. Wang was hired by Dryden Partners in 2018 after working at Credit Suisse in Singapore, where she offered financial advisory, stockbroking, and support to clients with group retirement plans. Wang was born and raised in the Singapore neighbourhood of Ardmore Park; she has one son. While getting her bachelor's degree at The National University of Singapore, Lang focused mostly on finance and business economics.
Andre Stevens
Senior Wealth Manager
In his capacity as a recently promoted Senior Wealth Manager, Stevens derives considerable satisfaction from several facets of his professional responsibilities. Among them, he particularly relishes the opportunity to provide comprehensive and tailored financial guidance to his clientele. Over the course of the last 12 years, he has occupied the position of an investment manager, establishing a notable standing for his provision of personalized service and a concentrated methodology. Establishing a relationship of trust and continuity with a client is crucial for effectively guiding them towards the attainment of their financial objectives. Prior to joining Dryden Partners in 2016, Stevens had positions as an Investment Representative and a Financial Consultant at a prominent national wealth management firm. Stevens hails from South Africa and obtained his undergraduate degree in finance from The University of Pretoria.
Michael Cowan
Senior Wealth Manager
As a recently promoted Senior Wealth Manager, Cowan’s job is to help clients in attaining their financial goals in an efficient and sustainable way. His service to all of his clients is distinguished by individualized care, reassurance, and technical expertise. Previously, he was an investment management consultant, retirement plan specialist, and guided portfolio manager for a big financial services firm before joining Dryden Partners. He assisted clients in developing financial, tax, and risk management strategies while earning important experience. Cowan’s favorite component of his profession is instructing and advising the next generation on how to maximize their wealth. University College London granted Cowan a bachelor's degree in economics. Cowan enjoys spending time with his family, show jumping, and training for triathlons.
Nicholas Cruz
Senior Wealth Manager
As Senior Wealth Manager, Nicholas takes pride in providing comprehensive and individualized financial advice, which includes extensive ideas, risk analysis, and financial planning. As a seasoned planner he aims to understand his clients' goals and to give them with great attention and service. Prior to joining Dryden Partners in 2016, Nicholas spent eight years in Singapore as a financial advisor for Deutsche Bank. Nicholas has extensive experience working with many of the world's leading investment banks in Singapore. He finds the best aspect of his profession to be seeing the improvement brought about by his guidance to the people under his charge. From The University of Singapore, Nicholas graduated with a bachelor's degree in business administration, specializing in finance and business economics.
Brian Mills
Senior Wealth Manager
Mills handles our important client relationships as a Senior Wealth Manager by establishing and executing personalized financial strategies to fit each client's unique requirements. He began his career in 2009 as a Financial Planning Consultant and Senior Account Executive at a prominent national wealth management business until joining Dryden Partners in 2014. Overall, Mills helps ambitious high net worth clients who are aiming to better their financial security by providing them with clarity in complex financial situations, saving them the time and worry of making financial decisions, and giving them confidence in their goals. Mills, who is originally from Forest Hill in the United Kingdom, is a devout family man who is involved in a variety of local organizations. Mills graduated from Imperial College London with a bachelor's degree in finance.
Mason Clarke
Senior Wealth Manager
Mason is in charge of managing the relationships that we have with our most valuable clients in his role as a Senior Wealth Manager. As part of his responsibilities in this capacity, Mason is responsible for formulating and putting into action individualized financial strategies for each of his clients. Mason began working at Dryden Partners in 2017, having previously held the position of PM at the London branch of CITI Bank. Since he began his career, he has spent a total of twelve years working in the domains of senior portfolio management and financial markets alongside high-net-worth families. Mason has been of support to our clients in maintaining their capital by utilizing his knowledge in financial risk management. He received a BSc in Finance and economics from the London School of Economics. Mason is a dedicated climber in addition to being a family man with two kids.
George Luis Carlos
Senior Wealth Manager
George brings a wealth of knowledge to Dryden Partners as a Senior Wealth Manager with years of experience in the market. Clients will work with George to design financial strategies and plans that will help them reach their financial goals while also taking into consideration their individual priorities and risk management needs. George acknowledges that everyone has the right to have feelings about their money and takes the time to understand his clients before offering them with high-quality tailored guidance. He is an expert in guiding people through the financial planning process to identify and prioritize their most important goals, and then assist them put a plan in place to achieve those goals. George began his career in 2004 as a Financial Planning Consultant, working with high net worth clients at a large national wealth management firm. He received a Bachelor of Science in business management from the National University of Singapore and is married with seven children.
Adam Hawkins
Senior Wealth Manager
Hawkins is the youngest Senior Wealth Manager at Dryden Partners, and he takes great pride in the fact that he is able to offer his clients assistance with their financial concerns that is both thorough and individualized. In 2018, he became a member of Dryden Partners bringing with him extensive knowledge and experience in a wide range of economic fields and financial markets, in addition to investment products and shares. Before beginning his employment with Dryden Partners, he served in the capacity of junior broker for a major financial services firm. Hawkins graduated from The University of Bristol with a bachelor's degree in finance and he currently volunteers for a number charitable organizations in the community.
Mark Miller
Wealth Advisor
Miller, serves as a wealth advisor for our clients by building financial plans and delivering personalized, comprehensive financial solutions tailored to their specific requirements. He puts our clients' interest first and is committed to developing meaningful, long-term relationships. Miller holds a BA in Business Management with concentrations in Finance, Investing & Banking, and Risk Management from Imperial College London.
Daniel Wilson
Wealth Advisor
Wilson serves as a wealth advisor for our clients by building financial plans and delivering personalized, comprehensive financial solutions tailored to their specific requirements. He puts our clients' interest first and is committed to developing meaningful, long-term relationships. Wilson graduated from The University of Warwick with a BS in Finance.
Riaan Abrahams
Wealth Advisor
Abrahams serves as a wealth advisor for our clients by building financial plans and delivering personalized, comprehensive financial solutions tailored to their specific requirements. Abrahams puts our client’s interest first and is committed to developing meaningful, long-term relationships. Abrahams, who was born and raised in South Africa, obtained his bachelor's degree in finance from The University of Cape Town.
Paul Johannes Roberts
Wealth Advisor
Roberts, a wealth advisor, aims to learn about each client's unique financial condition and develop the best approach for each of his clients' needs. Roberts has worked for a prominent national wealth management organization, mostly with high-net-worth individuals. He puts our clients' interest first and is committed to developing meaningful, long-term relationships. Roberts received a bachelor's degree in finance from the University of Pretoria.
Stefan Visser
Wealth Advisor
Visser serves as a wealth advisor for our clients by building financial plans and delivering personalized, comprehensive financial solutions tailored to their specific requirements. He puts our clients' interest first and is committed to developing meaningful, long-term relationships. Visser graduated from The University of Cape Town with a BS in Finance.
Thomas Lynch
Wealth Advisor
Lynch, an advisor specializing in wealth management, endeavors to get comprehensive understanding of each client's distinct financial circumstances and formulate the most suitable strategy tailored to meet their individual requirements. Lynch has gained professional experience inside a large national wealth management company, primarily focusing on serving clients with substantial financial assets. The individual prioritizes the interests of our clients and has a strong dedication to cultivating significant, enduring connections. Lynch successfully completed the requirements for a bachelor's degree in finance at the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Alison Smith
Wealth Advisor
Smith serves as a wealth advisor for our clients by building financial plans and delivering personalized, comprehensive financial solutions tailored to their specific requirements. She puts our clients' interest first and is committed to developing meaningful, long-term relationships. Smith spent time with a large national wealth management firm as both an Investment Representative and Financial Consultant. Smith holds a BS in Business with a concentration in Financial Planning from The University of Cape Town.
Victor Torres
Wealth Advisor
Torres serves as a wealth advisor for our clients by building financial plans and delivering personalized, comprehensive financial solutions tailored to their specific requirements. He puts our clients' interest first and is committed to developing meaningful, long-term relationships. Torres graduated from The University of Singapore with a BS in Finance.
Johan Swart
Wealth Advisor
Swart serves as a wealth advisor for our clients by building financial plans and delivering personalized, comprehensive financial solutions tailored to their specific requirements. He puts our clients' interest first and is committed to developing meaningful, long-term relationships. Swart graduated from The University of Cape Town with a BS in Finance.
Caleb Hopkins
Wealth Advisor
Hopkins handles our valued client relationships as a Wealth Advisor by building financial plans and delivering personalized, comprehensive financial solutions that are tailored to each client's particular circumstances. He spent time with a large national wealth management firm as both an Investment Representative and Financial Consultant. Hopkins graduated from Imperial College London with a BS in Finance.
Jack Flynn
Wealth Advisor
Flynn serves as a wealth advisor for our clients by building financial plans and delivering personalized, comprehensive financial solutions tailored to their specific requirements. He puts our clients' interest first and is committed to developing meaningful, long-term relationships. Flynn holds a BA in Business Management with concentrations in Finance, Investing & Banking, and Risk Management from The University of Edinburgh.
Matthew Speed
Wealth Advisor
Speed, serves as a wealth advisor for our clients by building financial plans and delivering personalized, comprehensive financial solutions tailored to their specific requirements. He has worked for a prominent national wealth management organization, mostly with high-net-worth individuals. Speed puts our clients' interest first and is committed to developing meaningful and long-term relationships. Speed received a bachelor's degree in finance from the King's College in London.
Devon Patel
Wealth Advisor
Patel, serves as a wealth advisor for our clients by building financial plans and delivering personalized, comprehensive financial solutions tailored to their specific requirements. He has worked for a prominent national wealth management organization, mostly with high-net-worth individuals. Patel puts our clients' interest first and is committed to developing meaningful and long-term relationships. Patel received a bachelor's degree in finance from the University of Manchester.
Michelle Lam
Wealth Advisor
Lam handles our valued client relationships as a Wealth Advisor by building financial plans and delivering personalized, comprehensive financial solutions that are tailored to each client's particular circumstances. Lam holds BS degrees in Finance and Accounting from The National University of Singapore.
Liam Thomas
Wealth Advisor
Thomas, serves as a wealth advisor for our clients by building financial plans and delivering personalized, comprehensive financial solutions tailored to their specific requirements. He has worked for a prominent national wealth management organization, mostly with high-net-worth individuals. Thomas puts our clients' interest first and is committed to developing meaningful and long-term relationships. Thomas received a bachelor's degree in finance from the University College London.
Amir Roy
Wealth Advisor
Roy is our youngest wealth advisor and handles our client relationships by building financial plans and delivering personalized, comprehensive financial solutions that are tailored to each client's particular circumstances. He spent time with a large national wealth management firm as both an Investment Representative and Financial Consultant. Roy graduated from Imperial College London with a BS in Finance.
Rebecca Garcia
Client Associate
As a Client Associate, Garcia supports the firm’s proprietary financial planning process by gathering client information and documentation. She became interested in financial planning when he saw the chance to help people achieve their financial goals in a setting that is focused on relationships and trust, rather than sales and commissions. Garcia graduated from the University of Amsterdam with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance.
Edward Hansen
Client Associate
As a Client Associate, Hansen supports the firm’s proprietary financial planning process by gathering client information and documentation. He became interested in financial planning when he saw the chance to help people achieve their financial goals in a setting that is focused on relationships and trust, rather than sales and commissions. Hansen graduated from the University of Copenhagen with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance.
Jonathan Hamilton
Client Associate
As a Client Associate, Hamilton supports the firm’s proprietary financial planning process by gathering client information and documentation. He became interested in financial planning when he saw the chance to help people achieve their financial goals in a setting that is focused on relationships and trust, rather than sales and commissions. Hamilton graduated from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance.