A Top 100 regular alongside fund selection colleague Genevra Banszky von Ambroz, James Burns heads up both Evelyn’s model portfolio service and the multi-asset team, specialising in listed funds.

Having joined NCL Investments 23 years ago, Burns started working on the investment trust desk in 2001, before the firm merged with Smith & Williamson in 2005. He became a partner one year later, and is now managing partner following the merger with Tilney in 2020. He also sits on the Evelyn Partners asset allocation committee and collectives investment group.

He says ahead of a looming UK recession his best advice is to seek out funds with the ability to sell stocks short. His major red flag is a manager style shift. He graduated in 1998 with a master’s in management from the University of St Andrews.