Meet Marcus, who has over three decades of experience in the financial services industry. He is a seasoned leader who brings a powerful blend of frontline sales expertise and back-end technology support to the table. His career has been built on a foundation of trust, integrity, and strategic thinking.
Today, Marcus has grown a dynamic team from the ground up—now comprising 35 Financial Consultants and 4 Managers—with a clear purpose: to do the right things, take care of the family, and give back to society.
What inspired you to enter the financial services industry?
That was in 1992. My family is always in business, so other than property, I think insurance is one of the few businesses that you don’t need a lot of capital to start. That’s the reason why I chose insurance, and from there it has been many years.
Why are Wills and legacy planning so important to you?
I wrote my first will when I was 27, which I think is important, especially when I had my triplets. That’s where the journey started into wills, estate and trust.
My dad passed away without a Will and our family had to navigate the usual challenges. So I had a Will done for my mum with the help of a lawyer.
After her passing, everything went smoothly. That experience really opened my eyes.
Over the years, I’ve seen many families have issues, especially when the will is not done or properly done. I have seen strained relationships, family disputes and even heartbreaking conflicts. I’ve witnessed siblings fighting at the wake, because of a poorly structured Will. It’s devastating and far more common than people think
I always believe that people do not know what they do not know. They think a Will is just a document, pay a few hundred dollars and you’re done. But it’s much more than that. At the end of the day, what matters most to me is preserving family harmony when someone passes. That’s why I’ve dedicated myself to this work
You’ve developed a team that consistently produces top performers. What’s the secret?
I encourage my team to go deep into estate and legacy planning. It’s where we can make the biggest impact, both financially and emotionally, for clients managing substantial assets.
Like for my team, I have a couple of advisors who have closed more than a million dollars in regular premium- helping their clients manage retirement, legacy planning and so on.
We do serve younger clients in their 20s and 30s, but they have other priorities such as raising families and building careers. Bigger premiums often come from those seeking legacy solutions, which is why focusing on this segment helps my team consistently reach MDRT, COT, and TOT year after year.
I always believe that people do not know what they do not know. They think a Will is just a document, pay a few hundred dollars and you’re done. But it’s much more than that. At the end of the day, what matters most to me is preserving family harmony when someone passes.
What was one of the most challenging issues you faced while building your team and how did you overcome them?
I spent nearly four years building a team and two and a half years ago, many of them left due to a buyout. It was painful.
But that’s life. So I moved on. I rebuilt my team. I’m a little bit open these days. Now I tell my team – if you need to go, just let me know. I’ll support you if you really need it. But do things the right way.
Some of those who left still meet me for tea. But others cut ties completely, and that taught me something, values must align for a relationship to last.
How do your values shape your leadership and team culture?
Firstly, doing the right thing. In our business, I always tell them our licence is a privilege. Done right, this business can earn you millions, but only if you maintain integrity. Follow the rules, protect your clients’ interests. That’s the baseline.
The next thing is to take care of the family. We are all here to provide for our loved ones. Money needs a purpose. That’s why I tell my team, never forget your why.
Last one—giving back to society. I donate regularly—mostly overseas. Singapore is fortunate; I want to help where it’s really needed. Whether it’s through time or money, giving back is a way of life.
What advice do you have for aspiring financial consultants and leaders?
Keep learning. Don’t ever say you know everything, none of us do. For me, I have weekly training and sharing sessions, without fail—as long as I’m in Singapore. It’s not just about knowledge, it’s about application. That’s how you grow.
What are your hopes for your team’s future—both professionally and personally?
I support their learning, sponsor courses, and bring in guest speakers. But I also try to understand their family dynamics, connect with their spouses, parents, and kids if they’re open to it.
One of my advisors was frequently hospitalised recently because of pregnancy—I told her, “Just take a break. Health and family come first. That’s what matters.”
What’s your vision for Singapore in the next five years?
I hope more people understand the importance of a proper Will, not a basic one, but something well-thought-out and dynamic.
I’m constantly giving talks and sharing sessions with different community groups. The other area I want to focus on is caregivers of special needs. There’s still a lot of work to do in this space.
Connect with Marcus: Facebook and Instagram.
