Inside Turicum

Janelle Gallardo and Julian Teuma reflect on their first year

When Janelle Gallardo and Julian Teuma joined Turicum last September as Graduate Trainees, they knew they were beginning a journey designed to take them across the Bank, building the insight and experience required to become Relationship Managers. Now, almost a year on, they have completed several rotations and reflect on what they have learned along the way.

Their first steps in Risk, Compliance and Ethics revealed the central role this area plays in safeguarding both clients and the Bank. For Janelle, the experience showed her that Compliance is not simply about process but about trust. “Compliance safeguards both the Bank and our clients by ensuring transparency, accountability, and integrity at every level. It protects relationships, supports long-term stability, and reinforces the confidence clients place in us.” Julian echoes this view, describing Compliance as “a cornerstone of client trust” and noting how due diligence, suspicious activity reports, and payment reviews build the framework of security that clients depend on.

The Investment Office and Treasury offered a very different perspective, one rooted in market dynamics and the responsibility of turning investment theory into practice. Janelle recalls how this rotation gave her a stronger appreciation of how strategies are built to balance opportunity with risk. “This perspective will be invaluable when guiding clients with transparency and confidence,” she says. For Julian, he could see how market movements, interest rates, and cash management strategies translate into portfolio performance and investment decisions. “It helps me explain to clients in simple terms how market conditions may impact their wealth, which is key to building trust and credibility.”

Credit and Front Office Support Compliance added another important layer. Janelle reflects on how her time with the Credit department deepened her understanding of the decision-making process, showing her how each assessment must align with both client objectives and the Bank’s long-term strategy. Julian’s time in Front Office Suport Compliance, meanwhile, gave him first-hand exposure to the onboarding process. “It’s a critical stage where clients form their first impression of the Bank. Understanding it helps ensure the process is smooth and client friendly, while meeting regulatory obligations.”

Looking back, both agree that adaptability and collaboration have been the defining lessons so far. Janelle reflects that every rotation required her to step into a new environment, learn and adapt quickly, and see how even technical decisions ultimately affect the client experience. Julian notes that private banking is about balance – managing risk and regulation while delivering excellent service – and that achieving this depends on close coordination between teams.

These experiences are laying the foundation for their future roles as Relationship Managers. By combining technical knowledge with an understanding of client needs, both Janelle and Julian are preparing to add value that is informed, responsible, and enduring. Their journey so far is a reflection of Turicum’s commitment to developing people with the skills and judgment to guide clients with confidence.