Inside Turicum

Gillaine Garcia, known to colleagues as Gigi and often referred to as the Bank’s “payments queen”, retired from Turicum after 27 years with the Bank.

Before joining Turicum, Gigi spent a decade working at BBVA in Gibraltar, gaining experience across several areas of banking. When she later joined Turicum in the late 1990s, the Bank was still a small organisation, with around a dozen people working closely together.

Gigi initially joined as a receptionist, attracted by the opportunity to work part time while balancing family life. Her previous experience in banking quickly proved valuable and, when additional support was needed in operations, she moved into the Back Office, beginning a long career in payments and banking operations.

As Turicum grew over the years, so did the responsibilities within the payments function. What began as a small team gradually developed alongside the Bank’s expansion, with increasing volumes of transactions and evolving systems. Gigi became a trusted and experienced member of the team, holding signatory responsibilities within the Bank.

Throughout her career, Gigi built a reputation for her careful approach to payments and controls. Known for her strong sense of responsibility and attention to detail, she always approached the role with the understanding that accuracy and sound judgement are essential in private banking.

Although her work was largely behind the scenes, it played an important part in supporting the service provided to clients. Understanding how transactions fit within the wider context of a client relationship, and knowing when to ask questions or seek clarification, were key aspects of the role. In this way, her work supported both the client and the Bank.

Gigi also highlights the importance of teamwork in operations. Payments work depends on close coordination across departments, and over the years she worked alongside many colleagues in Front Office, Compliance and other operational teams. Experience, communication and mutual trust helped ensure that work flowed smoothly.

Reflecting on her time at Turicum, Gigi notes how much the Bank has evolved. In the early years the organisation was small and close knit, with colleagues working side by side. As the Bank expanded and teams grew, roles became more specialised and the organisation more structured. Despite these changes, she believes the importance of teamwork remains constant.

For Gigi, that sense of cooperation has always been central to the role. Supporting colleagues and working together to achieve the right outcome has been an important part of her career.

We thank Gigi for her many years of commitment and contribution to Turicum and wish her every success in the future.