Stuart Dowding

About Stuart

Stuart joined Opera in 2024 as Group Head of Private Client and is a member of the Group Executive Committee. He is responsible for the strategic leadership and development of Opera’s international private client business, working closely with jurisdictional boards and senior management teams to drive growth, strengthen governance and deliver consistently high standards of client service.

With more than 35 years’ experience in the fiduciary sector, Stuart has developed extensive expertise in complex trust and corporate structures, succession planning, family wealth, asset protection, investment and property-holding arrangements. Throughout his career, he has advised high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth families, entrepreneurs, family offices and their professional advisers on a broad range of international private client matters.

Having established his career in Guernsey, Stuart relocated to Hong Kong, where he served as Managing Director of a trust company, before returning to Guernsey in 2018. He has since held a number of senior executive and board positions.

Stuart is recognised for his commercial judgement, deep fiduciary knowledge and collaborative leadership style. He is passionate about developing talented teams, building trusted long-term relationships and ensuring clients receive thoughtful, responsive and highly personalised service.

Outside of work

Stuart is an early morning dog walker, though his 10-year-old cocker spaniel, Mulberry, would rather hit snooze - especially if it's raining! A travel enthusiast, Stuart is always finding a reason to jet off to London, where he enjoys catching up with clients, family and friends, while still managing to squeeze in the odd West End show, concert, or sporting event.