Jonathan Corbett: Partner at NORMAN & SONS – Revolutionising Capital Markets
Jonathan Corbett is a seasoned professional with over 15 years of experience in the financial services sector. As a partner at NORMAN & SONS, Jonathan has spent a significant portion of his career helping banks design the right products for their clients, with a focus on creating innovative solutions in capital markets. He is an expert in user experience design, and his work has transformed the way financial institutions approach product development and digital transformation. His ability to work closely with some of the most demanding clients in the industry has cemented his position as a key figure in the world of financial services consulting.
Early Life and Education
Jonathan Corbett’s educational background laid a strong foundation for his career. He attended the University of Bristol, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics and Spanish, graduating in 2007. This combination of economics and language skills provided him with a unique perspective on international markets and the need for clear communication in the fast-paced world of finance. Additionally, Corbett spent a year at the University of Valencia as part of an Erasmus exchange programme, broadening his understanding of global economic systems and expanding his cultural and linguistic knowledge. His academic experiences helped shape his ability to navigate the complex financial landscape and cater to diverse clients with varying needs.
Career in Financial Services
Jonathan Corbett’s career in financial services began at Rule Financial, where he worked as a Lead User Experience Consultant. During his nine years at Rule Financial, Corbett led several user-centric design consulting engagements, working for some of the largest financial institutions globally. His work at UBS, Deutsche Bank, and HSBC allowed him to develop a deep understanding of the challenges faced by senior managers in managing financial resources and market risk. Corbett’s expertise in user experience design played a pivotal role in transforming financial applications, ensuring they were not only functional but intuitive and user-friendly.
One of his notable achievements at UBS was leading a design team to create an application that revolutionised the way market risk was managed. This application became the market-leading solution in capital markets, highlighting Corbett’s ability to drive innovation and deliver practical solutions for complex financial challenges.
In 2016, Corbett joined NORMAN & SONS as a partner, where he has continued to make a significant impact in the world of capital markets. At NORMAN & SONS, Corbett has worked closely with high-profile clients, including the CEO and COO of Deutsche Bank, the Chief Risk Officer of UBS, and the Head of Finance at Credit Suisse. His work at NORMAN & SONS revolves around helping financial institutions design and build digital solutions that address the most pressing challenges in the industry. From prototyping ideas to leading teams in turning visions into reality, Corbett’s leadership and expertise have been instrumental in shaping the future of financial services.
Key Projects and Achievements
Throughout his career, Jonathan Corbett has been involved in several high-profile projects that have had a lasting impact on the financial industry. One of his key contributions was at UBS, where he worked with the C-level Group Treasurer to define and articulate a vision for senior managers to proactively manage the financial resources of the organisation. Corbett led a design team for two years in UBS’s Market Risk department, where they designed an application to manage market risk in a way that was previously unseen in the industry. This application became the market leader, recognised for its ability to streamline market risk management in capital markets.
Corbett’s work also extended to Deutsche Bank, where he led a team of 40 designers for a cross-bank risk program aimed at improving transparency, accountability, and efficiency. He played a key role in presenting the application at internal and external events, helping it gain recognition and accolades within the industry.
In addition to his work on risk management and trading platforms, Corbett has worked on compliance and operational risk applications for UBS, FX trading platforms for HSBC and Barclays Capital, and a range of other financial applications that have contributed to the modernisation of capital markets.
Jonathan Corbett’s Approach to Design and Innovation
One of the key elements that sets Jonathan Corbett apart from his peers is his approach to user experience design. Corbett believes in the power of design to not only improve functionality but also to create products that are intuitive and easy to use. His work is driven by a deep understanding of the challenges that users face and the need to solve complex problems in a way that is accessible and practical. He has consistently shown that well-designed applications can drive significant improvements in efficiency, accountability, and transparency within financial institutions.
At NORMAN & SONS, Corbett leads teams of designers and developers to quickly prototype ideas and test them in real-world scenarios. This iterative approach ensures that clients can see their ideas come to life early on in the process, allowing them to make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes. By closely working with clients to define their vision for the future, Corbett and his team are able to turn abstract ideas into functional products that solve real business problems.
Personal Life and Legacy
Jonathan Corbett is the son of the late Harry H. Corbett, the famous British actor best known for his role as Harold Steptoe in the iconic television series Steptoe and Son. Growing up in the entertainment world, Jonathan was exposed to the pressures and challenges of public life, but he chose a different path, focusing on the financial services sector. His sister, Susannah Corbett, followed in their father’s footsteps and became a well-known actress and author. While Jonathan has maintained a lower public profile, his career in financial services has made a significant impact, and he continues to be a leading figure in the world of capital markets.
Conclusion
Jonathan Corbett’s career is a testament to his dedication to innovation, design, and problem-solving. As a partner at NORMAN & SONS, he has played a pivotal role in transforming the financial services industry by designing and building cutting-edge digital products that meet the needs of modern financial institutions. His work with high-profile clients such as UBS, Deutsche Bank, and Credit Suisse showcases his ability to lead complex projects and deliver impactful results. With a career spanning over 15 years, Jonathan Corbett continues to be at the forefront of capital markets innovation, shaping the future of the industry with his expertise and vision.
