Style Observer (SO): Describe Karrian in a few sentences.

Dr Karrian Hepburn Malcolm (KHM): I am a woman of faith (Christian), a wife, a mother, a banker, and a singer. I am the head of wealth at the National Commercial Bank Jamaica Limited. I am an extroverted people person.

SO: Share some surprising lessons re: finance that not many people know.

KHM: Finance is simpler and more intuitive than many people think, if they break down their needs into protection and wealth creation. All the other banking activities such as day-to-day banking, insurance, investments and pension dovetail into ensuring that people are protected from catastrophic events and create wealth towards financial independence.

SO: What do you see as the big differences in the financial landscape islandwide since the time you left and when you returned.

KHM: There are more banking and financial institutions and options that people can access locally and offshore, including digitally. People also have access to more information and self-help tools. The financial landscape is also more heavily regulated. I also notice more female leaders in executive positions, including at the CEO level.

SO: If you were to teach kids about financial literacy, what would the main lesson be?

KHM: I would teach kids about why money and financial freedom is important. I would teach them how to earn or acquire money, retain it and grow it. Basic lessons focused on saving, budgeting, investing and the basics of credit would be critical. I would also explain the most common technology/digital platforms they are likely to use.

SO: When and where did you earn your doctorate?

KHM: I earned my doctorate from the University of Phoenix and graduated in 2021.

SO: Share with us a few career highlights.

KHM: I started my banking career at Dehring Bunting & Golding (DB&G) in 2003. I received my first major promotion at age 25 as the head of private banking. I joined the Scotiabank group through an acquisition of DB&G, which became Scotia Investments. I managed the Mandeville and Savanna-la-Mar branches as an assistant vice-president, including oversight of investment representatives in Santa Cruz, Junction, Black River and Negril Scotiabank branches. I was sent to Trinidad to assume the role of general manager of Scotia Investments Trinidad and Tobago Limited. I worked at the region’s largest indigenous mutual fund company, the Trinidad and Tobago Unit Trust Corporation, as the vice-president of sales and service. I was also the managing director at Guardian Media Limited, one of the oldest and largest media houses in the region, with strategic oversight of the 100-plus-year-old
Guardian newspaper, the TV station
CNC3, the billboard business, productions and seven radio stations, including one in Guyana. I am currently the head of wealth at the National Commercial Bank Jamaica Limited, with oversight of private banking as well as wealth creation for our clients via products and services in NCB Capital Markets Jamaica and Cayman.

SO: What are you most passionate about?

KHM: I am most passionate about God, my family, walking in purpose, inspiring and mentoring people, helping people towards financial independence, singing and living a full life!

SO: If you knew then, what you know now…

KHM: I would worry less, do my best and let God do the rest.

SO: When not in your role at NCB, how does Karrian unwind?

KHM: I unwind mostly with my family at home watching movies or working on my passion projects. I also enjoying learning new things, so I am usually enrolled in a virtual course to learn something new.

SO: Recording artiste? How did that happen?

KHM: I always had a passion for singing. I had a strong sense this year that I needed to use all my talents in a meaningful way. I spoke to my friend, legendary producer Mikey Bennett, about wanting to record an inspirational song giving God the glory for all he had done in my life. Mikey walked me through the creative process of writing and recording a song.

SO: Any 2025 travel goals?

KHM: I want to connect with some friends and work on some passion projects across the region, so during my vacation this year, I plan to visit Barbados, Trinidad, Panama, Guyana and the US.

SO: Evening in or evening out?

KHM: Evening in, because I am out very often, given the nature of my job. My role at the bank often includes hosting clients and attending functions.

SO: Name your favourite Caribbean designers?

KHM: My favourite Caribbean designers are Sophia Jones in Jamaica and Claudia Pegus in Trinidad.

SO: What are your must-have fragrances?

KHM: Yves Saint Laurent Blouse Le Vestiaire des Parfums and Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa 62

SO: Finally, what’s your personal philosophy?

KHM: Nothing is impossible with God (Luke 1:37)

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phillipians 4:13)

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your path. (Proverbs 3: 5-6)

Sunset at 8

Yves Saint Laurent Blouse Le Vestiaire des Parfums is a must-have for Hepburn-Malcolm…

…another is the irresistible and sunny Cheirosa ‘62 by Sol de Janeiro.

Words to live by….

Dr Karrian Hepburn Malcom earned her doctorate from the University of Phoenix in 2021. (www.linkedin.com/dr-karrian-hepburn-malcolm)