Experienced, meticulous and quietly confident, Mark Burroughs is a highly valued member of the Citrus Financial team. With over 25 years’ experience in financial services, including a fast-paced career in currency trading, Mark brings deep technical knowledge and a calm, pragmatic approach to financial planning. He joined Citrus in 2022 and loves helping clients plan more confidently for the future.
We caught up with Mark to talk about his path into advice, what he wishes more people understood about planning ahead, and the film that still keeps him out of deep water.
What first drew you into financial services?
Like a lot of people, I sort of fell into it. I left school as soon as I could, as I wanted to start earning money, and got a job with NatWest. It turned out to be a great few years. I made some good friends, played football and cricket for the bank, and enjoyed the social side. But after a while I realised, I would need to leave to progress my career. So, I started to explore roles in the City.
And how did that lead to working in currency markets?
I started at Rothschild Asset Management in fund accounting, spreadsheets, year-end reports, that sort of thing. It was a little dull to be honest. I saw a trainee role on the FX desk, went for a chat, and got on well with the guy running it. I didn’t have a clue what a currency dealer did, but I was offered the job and within six months I was trading. Two people left unexpectedly, and I was told, “You’re up — this is your book now.” Proper deep-end stuff.
"When people first meet to discuss their financial planning, they can be a little guarded, unsure of what to expect. So, the first thing I do is try to put them at ease and build trust."
You stayed in FX for a while. What made you shift into financial advice?
I spent about 25 years in the City, moving between banks and roles, so by 2019, I was ready for a change. I’d had enough of the commute and wanted to do something more meaningful, working with people directly.
I knew a few people who’d gone into financial advice, and it felt like a natural transition. Taking everything I’d learned in financial markets and using it to help individuals and families. I did my qualifications through the Quilter Financial Adviser School and joined Citrus not long after.
How would you describe your approach with clients?
I like to be thorough. When I sit down with someone, I want to understand the full picture. Lift the bonnet, so to speak. When people first meet to discuss their financial planning, they can be a little guarded, unsure of what to expect. So, the first thing I do is try to put them at ease and build trust. Once that happens, they tend to open up, and we can really get to grips with what they want to achieve and how best to help.
What do you find most rewarding about your role?
Lots of things. It’s great when you help a client find the right solution for them, whether that’s building investments for the future or planning to pass wealth on. And when those solutions work, when you see assets growing and clients enjoying the retirement they’d planned for, that’s a brilliant feeling. But it’s not just about growth. Good planning also works the other way, helping to protect people too, especially when markets are turbulent.
What’s one thing you wish more people understood about managing their money?
That our advice covers more than just pensions or ISAs. People are often surprised when they realise the breadth of what we can help with. Protection, tax planning, investment strategies, even estate planning. We’re not here just to talk about one pot of money. We’re here to look at the full picture.
I’d also say, people should act sooner. I get it, life is busy, and it’s easy to put things off but it’s frustrating when someone comes to me saying “I’m retiring next year, so I thought I’d speak to someone now.” It’s such a shame, as I know I could have offered so many more options if they’d spoken to me sooner. It’s never too late, but it’s never too early either.
“It’s a process. Trust takes time, especially when we’re dealing with something as personal as money. I focus on building that trust over time, being clear, being honest...”
How do you help clients feel more confident in their decisions?
It’s a process. Trust takes time, especially when we’re dealing with something as personal as money. I focus on building that trust over time, being clear, being honest, and showing I understand their concerns. Once that relationship is built, clients tend to relax and really engage with the process.
What do you think makes Citrus Financial different?
It’s the structure. A lot of people think of financial advisers as one-man bands working from home. Citrus is nothing like that. We’ve got a team of advisers, paraplanners and technical staff, a proper support network. There’s always someone available to help, and the professionalism and depth of knowledge across the team is outstanding. It means clients get consistency and confidence in the advice they receive.
How do you stay up to date in a changing financial world?
There’s a lot of ongoing learning involved. We’re regulated by the FCA, which means we have to meet strict professional development requirements each year to keep our licence. That includes structured learning, testing, and staying on top of changes in legislation and markets. The bar has never been higher, and that’s a really good thing.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
I try to be outdoors as much as I can. I run, play a bit of tennis, and (badly) play golf. I walk the dog a lot too. It’s a good way to switch off from spreadsheets and screens.
Tell us something clients might be surprised to learn about you.
I was once in the tabloids! I happened to be working for Lehman Brothers when it collapsed in 2008. I was snapped by a newspaper photographer, talking on my phone and ended up on the front pages of the the red-tops. The headline was something like “Desperate Lehman Staff Call Recruiters.” I’m pretty certain I was actually on the phone to a friend arranging to meet up. But there you go, claim to fame!
Quickfire Round
Tea or coffee?
Coffee, always coffee
Beach holiday or city break?
City break for me, beach holiday to keep my wife happy
Early bird or night owl?
Early bird, in bed by 10, up before 5
Favourite TV series?
The Sopranos, no discussion
Favourite Film?
Jaws, it left a mark! I still won’t swim out too far
Books you’d recommend?
Taste by Stanley Tucci — part memoir, part cookbook, very entertaining
You can meet more members of the team here.
The value of pensions and investments can fall as well as rise. You may get back less than you invested.
Tax planning is not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Approver Quilter Financial Services Limited. 27/11/2025
