Siobhan Boylan is a name that resonates with financial acumen, strategic leadership, and a deep-rooted commitment to excellence in the UK’s investment management landscape. With a career spanning over three decades, Boylan has steadily built a reputation as one of the most influential financial executives in the country. Her recent appointment as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Executive Director of abrdn, a major player in global asset management, marks yet another milestone in a distinguished career. In this article, we explore Siobhan Boylan’s journey, her professional achievements, her leadership philosophy, and what her new role at abrdn means for the company’s future.
Early Career and Foundations in Finance
Siobhan Boylan’s path to prominence began in the financial sector where she quickly established herself as a driven and knowledgeable professional. Although much of her early career details remain private, what is clear is that she gained experience in several high-profile financial institutions, laying the groundwork for the leadership roles that would follow. Her solid grasp of finance, combined with an intuitive understanding of market dynamics, made her a valuable asset to every firm she worked for.
Her professional journey would later see her holding senior finance roles in major institutions such as Aviva, Legal & General Investment Management (LGIM), and Brewin Dolphin. These roles not only sharpened her financial oversight capabilities but also exposed her to the strategic demands of managing large-scale investment portfolios and corporate governance.
Climbing the Ranks: From LGIM to Brewin Dolphin
Boylan’s tenure at Legal & General Investment Management is especially noteworthy. As CFO of LGIM, she played a critical role in shaping the financial strategy of one of the UK’s largest investment managers. Her responsibilities included financial planning, budgeting, investor relations, and navigating regulatory requirements — all of which she handled with distinction.
After her time at LGIM, Boylan moved to Brewin Dolphin, a well-established wealth management firm, where she served as CFO. At Brewin Dolphin, she managed the firm’s financial infrastructure during a period of strategic change and market volatility. Her efforts contributed to enhancing operational efficiency, increasing transparency, and positioning the company for long-term success. Colleagues praised her for her collaborative leadership style and her ability to make tough decisions without losing sight of broader organisational goals.
Leadership at Coutts & Co
Before being appointed to her latest role at abrdn, Siobhan Boylan served as the Chief Financial Officer at Coutts & Co, the private banking arm of NatWest Group. Coutts is renowned for serving the UK’s wealthiest individuals and institutions, and Boylan’s responsibilities included overseeing all aspects of financial management, from compliance and audit to strategic investment planning.
Her time at Coutts further demonstrated her capacity to operate at the intersection of finance, strategy, and governance. She not only ensured financial stability for the firm but also contributed significantly to enhancing client trust and internal risk controls. Her performance at Coutts solidified her standing in the finance industry as a capable and trustworthy executive.
A New Chapter: CFO and Executive Director at abrdn
In 2025, abrdn plc, a global investment company headquartered in Edinburgh, announced the appointment of Siobhan Boylan as its incoming Chief Financial Officer and Executive Director. This role places her at the heart of one of the most significant financial institutions in the UK.
At abrdn, Boylan is expected to replace interim CFO Ian Jenkins and will be working alongside the senior leadership team to drive the firm’s financial performance, enhance shareholder value, and steer strategic investments. Her depth of experience in asset and wealth management, coupled with her practical knowledge of finance regulation and investor engagement, makes her a perfect fit for the role.
The decision to appoint Boylan reflects abrdn’s desire to bolster its executive leadership with professionals who not only understand financial statements but also possess the vision to navigate complex market environments. Her leadership is anticipated to bring fresh perspective, especially in optimising capital structures, managing risk, and executing mergers or acquisitions.
A Boardroom Force: Non-Executive Director at Jupiter Fund Management
In addition to her executive responsibilities, Siobhan Boylan has also made significant contributions as a Non-Executive Director. Most notably, she has served on the board of Jupiter Fund Management plc, offering strategic advice and financial oversight to the board and its committees.
Her work at Jupiter Fund Management demonstrates her influence beyond day-to-day operations. As a Non-Executive Director, she brought her extensive experience in governance, risk management, and financial planning to a broader context, helping steer strategic decisions and ensure accountability within the organisation.
Although she will step down from this role to focus on her position at abrdn, her impact at Jupiter remains a testament to her versatile leadership capabilities.
Strategic Mindset and Leadership Style
What sets Siobhan Boylan apart is her strategic mindset. She is not merely a financial expert; she is a visionary leader who understands the importance of aligning finance with long-term organisational goals. Whether she is overseeing complex financial restructures or developing future-focused investment strategies, her decisions are consistently underpinned by clarity of thought and long-term sustainability.
Colleagues and partners describe her as methodical, approachable, and sharp. She encourages transparency and open communication within teams, and she is known for mentoring younger professionals in the field. Her leadership is often cited as both inclusive and transformative — a rare but powerful combination in the high-pressure world of corporate finance.
Challenges and Opportunities at abrdn
Boylan’s arrival at abrdn comes at a time of transformation for the company. Like many global asset managers, abrdn faces challenges including regulatory changes, increased competition, digital disruption, and the need for sustainable investment practices.
Her role as CFO will be pivotal in addressing these issues. Boylan will be responsible for evaluating cost structures, identifying new revenue opportunities, and strengthening financial resilience. She is also expected to play a key role in leading abrdn’s digital transformation and helping the firm stay competitive in an increasingly tech-driven industry.
Moreover, abrdn’s ambitions to expand its global presence and product offerings will benefit from her expertise in scaling operations while maintaining strict regulatory compliance. Her ability to manage risk while supporting growth initiatives could be exactly what abrdn needs to navigate the next phase of its corporate journey.
Influence on Women in Finance
Siobhan Boylan is also an important figure in the push for greater diversity in senior financial leadership roles. In an industry where women remain underrepresented at the executive level, Boylan serves as a role model for aspiring female professionals. Her achievements demonstrate that with determination, expertise, and vision, women can rise to the highest echelons of finance.
Her visibility in major institutions also helps to challenge stereotypes and inspire organisational cultures to become more inclusive. As more firms recognise the benefits of diverse leadership teams, professionals like Boylan are setting the benchmark for excellence and inclusivity.
Personal Traits and Values
Though she maintains a low public profile when it comes to her personal life, those who have worked with Siobhan Boylan highlight her integrity, work ethic, and resilience. She is known to value authenticity, and her decision-making reflects a careful balance between quantitative rigour and human impact.
She believes in responsible finance — ensuring that profitability does not come at the cost of ethics, stakeholder trust, or sustainability. This values-driven approach will likely influence how abrdn approaches investment decisions under her financial stewardship.
Conclusion
Siobhan Boylan’s appointment as CFO and Executive Director of abrdn is not just a new chapter in her own career but also a defining moment for the company. With her proven track record in financial management, her strategic foresight, and her inclusive leadership style, she is poised to bring lasting value to abrdn and its stakeholders.
As a seasoned leader with deep industry insight, Boylan represents the gold standard in financial governance and executive leadership. Her impact on the organisations she serves — and on the broader finance industry — will be studied, respected, and hopefully emulated for years to come.
