Disruptors
Gef’s 30 Under 30 2024 Winners: Q&A with Jack Igglesden
Ten categories. Thirty young visionaries making their mark on the Isle of Man. Introducing the 2024 #Gef30Under30 winners: the next generation of our island’s leaders.
Meet the Capital International Group Disruptors, who say ‘why play by the rules when you can create your own?’ These young stars don’t just follow the status quo, they create the world they want to live in.
What is your name and age?
Jack Igglesden, age 29.
Job title or role in the community?
Associate Advocate at DQ Advocates.
How did you start your career or role in the community?
After finishing school in 2013, I was unsure of my career path. Over the next few years, I worked and gained experience at an architect’s firm, a veterinary clinic, Nobles Hospital, and a pharmacy. However, none of these fields truly appealed to me. This prompted me to explore law, which lead me to pursue an LLB and an LLM LPC at university in 2015. I then successfully qualified in October 2022 after passing my Manx Bar Exams on my first attempt in May 2022. With a long-standing personal interest in digital assets, cryptocurrencies, and eGaming, I decided to specialise in these areas, which has brought me to my current position.
In one sentence, summarise your journey so far as a young and successful person under 30.
It has been quite an unexpected journey so far – I never thought that I would be able to specialise in such a new and emerging field so early in my career.
Tell us about your business/industry, is there something interesting about it that most people wouldn’t expect?
The area I specialise in attracts clients from all over the world, all of which are inherently different. With digital technology developing at such an exponential rate, there is a wide variety of projects and businesses that I get to work with on a daily basis which I don’t think you would get anywhere else in the world.
Have you experienced any hurdles in your career or community efforts and if so, how did you overcome them?
Law is inherently a challenging and competitive industry. While the Isle of Man may not be as competitive as in the UK, aspiring to become a Manx Advocate still requires thorough mental and physical preparation for the Manx Bar Exams. However, with the right attitude and guidance, it is definitely achievable. If I can do it, then anyone can!
Tell us about why you think you won in the Disruptors category?
I believe I won in the Disruptor category due to the industry I specialise in. Like all major technological advancements, FinTech and digital assets inherently disrupt traditional methods that have been in place for years. In particular, Bitcoin and other digital assets, such as stablecoins, aim to revolutionise the traditional financial system by creating a decentralised financial ecosystem. The number of professionals who understand or are willing to learn and practice in these areas is very limited. This has allowed me to become an industry leading individual within quite a short space of time.
Who are your role models, either on-island or off, in your sector or outside of it?
My parents. I am extremely grateful for everything that they have done for me. They have always assisted and supported me in everything and anything I have decided to pursue. They are incredibly hard working, kind and caring people and I would not be where I am without them.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
If you are going to do something, do it properly, or don’t do it at all.
What do you wish you knew when you were getting started in your career?
The imposter syndrome never really goes away. Not a day goes by where I don’t feel some degree of imposter syndrome! As a trainee I would always think to myself that “once I have qualified, this will all stop” but that isn’t the case. This feeling seems to be quite common within the legal industry as no two matters are the same, but having such supportive colleagues and mentors has really helped me manage this.
What are your plans for the future?
To continue to push myself, gain experience and work within this industry as it continues to expand and develop on the Isle of Man and around the world.
What changes do you hope to see in your sector or community in the coming years?
Education and Regulation.
Education is essential when adopting and developing new technologies. For the Isle of Man to lead in these advancements, we must equip ourselves with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively implement them. I hopeful that as these sectors continue rise in popularity, that the level of education and understanding around them grows in tandem.
On a more legal (and boring point – sorry!), I believe that the Isle of Man also needs to properly regulate these emerging sectors. Clear and efficient regulation prevents illicit businesses and entities from operating in the Isle of Man, which in turn, not only protects the Manx public, but simultaneously makes us an attractive location for businesses to establish themselves or relocate to.
What, for you, are the benefits of staying on or moving back to the island for young people under 30?
For those currently or planning to study law at university, there are numerous benefits to returning to the Isle of Man. One of the most significant benefits is the work-life balance. Unlike the “big city” firms in the UK, you are still able to leave the office at a reasonable time and you don’t have to work over the weekend. There are still occasions where this will be necessary but this is a far more infrequent occurrence than in the UK. Another great benefit of the Isle of Man is the level and quality of experience you obtain. Unlike in most jurisdictions, many firms on the island are very “hands-on” and will enable you to work directly with clients even as a trainee, all while being supported by other advocates within your firm.
What does being a Gef’s 30 Under 30 winner mean to you?
Winning in the Disruptor category and being recognised as a Gef’s 30 Under 30 winner is an incredible privilege. It demonstrates that the hard work and innovation are making a meaningful impact. This recognition encourages me to continue pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo. It also connects me with a community of like-minded individuals who are passionate about driving change and making a difference. Being part of this motivates me to keep striving for excellence and contributing positively to our society and industry.
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