Meet the team
Our experienced Private Banking Managers partner with our clients to understand their entire range of financial requirements to deliver a tailored service.

Graham Lapsley
Head of Private Banking
“We’re the largest Private Banking team based in Northern Ireland and the largest bank for business. As an expert in banking, your Private Banking Manager will simplify your money management and where required will connect you to the appropriate skills, insights and specialist teams from across the Bank and beyond.”
Graham Lapsley, Head of Private Banking
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A passionate advocate of building wealth through both traditional practices and the efficiencies of modern technology. And a countryman at heart…
With over 40 years’ experience across Northern Bank and Danske Bank, Graham is a second-generation banker whose experience is unparalleled in local banking circles. He has held many senior positions in Danske Bank across multiple disciplines, including Area Manager, Business Credit Manager, Head Of Business Centre, Head of Risk and Operations Support, and Head of Personal Credit before taking up his current role as Head of Private Banking. Graham holds both a Master’s Degree (MSc) in Executive Leadership and a First Class Degree in Business Studies alongside credentials from the London Business School and Boston College. Living in an old farmhouse, Graham loves renovating and has a particular passion for Land Rover Defenders.

Chris Marshall
Senior Private Banking Manager
Greater Belfast & North Down
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A trusted adviser for high-net-worth families - and a renowned team player, down to his mini-rugby boots…
A senior member of the Private Banking Leadership Team, Chris has over 30 years’ banking experience since joining the Bank in the early 1990s. In addition to spending 3 years offshore in the Isle of Man, Chris has held many senior roles in Financial Planning, Investment Management and Private Banking. He is certified in Private Client Investment Advice and Management by the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment and believes that the key to building positive relationships with clients is excellent service and advice - something that makes him a highly trusted adviser to high-net-worth families across several business sectors. A former rugby player, Chris has now finally hung up his (mini) coaching boots to become an avid supporter of the game at all levels.

Wendy Forsythe
Senior Private Banking Manager
Upper Bann & West Down
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A wide breadth of high-level experience - and an equally busy home and social life…
Having joined the Bank in 1993, Wendy has garnered an extensive breadth of experience across various roles within Branch Banking, Mortgages and Executive Banking. As well as running a team of Private Banking Managers, Wendy manages a portfolio of professional and business clients and has been a relationship manager for 20 years with unrivalled knowledge of self-build projects and complex lending in particular. Renowned for strong personal relationships with clients, Wendy holds the Certificate in Investment Management, Certificate in Financial Services, Advanced Certificate in Mortgages Advice, and the Certificate in Securities. Away from work, she cherishes family time, walking, reading, and has recently started playing netball again after some time away from the court.

David Bunting
Senior Private Banking Manager
Belfast centre & Greater Belfast
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Building impressive networks with partners from the business and professional sectors. And also keeping a keen eye on junior football…
A key member of the Private Banking Leadership Team, David manages a team of experienced Private Banking Managers based in Belfast. He also handles his own portfolio of high-net-worth clients. Since joining the Bank in 1999, David built up a wide range of experience until devoting his skills to dealing with complex personal lending proposals in Private Banking since 2011. David’s undoubted main strength is offering expert advice on internal and external networks with referral partners from the business, corporate and professional sectors. Away from work, he is a keen sports fan and also treasurer of his local junior football club where his two sons play and where you’ll frequently find him on the side-lines offering - as he says himself - even more expert advice.

Keith McCullagh
Senior Private Banking Manager
Mid Ulster & East Antrim
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Exceeding the expectations of clients for over 30 years - while quietly maintaining an International sporting career…
Keith has over 30 years’ of top-level banking experience since joining the Bank in 1990. As a Senior Private Banking Manager, Keith pro-actively leads a team of Private Banking Managers and thoroughly enjoys the privilege of working as a trusted adviser to the Bank’s most affluent families. His banking career has always been about delivering exceptional performance, and constantly going above and beyond the expectations of the client. And that’s only to be expected from Keith - a former rugby star for Rainey Old Boys who went on to represent and captain Ireland at both the World and British Isles Bowling Championships. Maybe that’s where he gets the precision, dedication and success that he brings to his client relationships

Louise Reith
Private Banking Manager
Greater Belfast & North Down
M: 07917554006
Email
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Driven by working out detailed, tailored advice for her clients - and then working out even more in the gym…
Louise joined the Bank in 1999 and spent the first 9 years in Branch Banking. She was then appointed as a Senior Mortgage Consultant where she gained extensive lending experience over 10 years. Time spent in that role also enabled Louise to gain a wealth of experience in establishing the precise needs of her clients. Since 2018, Louise has been a Private Banking Manager, having been attracted to the role as a way to provide an even more detailed financial service and, indeed, to build lifelong relationships with existing and prospective clients in every aspect of personal banking. In her spare time, Louise likes to visit the gym and spend time with her family.

Melissa Shearer
Private Banking Manager
Greater Belfast
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Praise for her sterling work in Financial Services comes from clients, colleagues - and also from Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II…
Melissa joined the Bank in 1998 and has since worked across many different areas - predominantly in the branch network. She joined the Private Banking team in 2019 bringing significant experience from her time spent within branches and as an Operations Manager. Melissa is renowned for her ability to build strong relationships with customers and to help them with their financial priorities whether that be buying a home, a holiday getaway or detailing retirement options. To cap her work achievements, Melissa was awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to Financial Services in the Queen’s Honours List in 2020. Away from the job, she likes nothing more than a ramble with her family - and continually boosting her step count.

Ryan Young
Private Banking Manager
North West & Causeway
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A passion for helping clients with their financial goals - and helping his children with their sporting ones…
Ryan has an extensive knowledge of banking and lending products, gained through a variety of roles within the branch network and subsequent senior roles across both direct and intermediary mortgage channels over the past 20 years. He currently manages a select portfolio of Private Banking clients and his thorough product knowledge and accessibility allows him to provide an acclaimed level of service. He is known to build exceptional relationships with his customers in order to understand their precise needs and to help them achieve their personal financial goals. Outside of work, Ryan’s spare time is completely consumed by his young son and two young daughters. He can be found most weekends cheering them on from the side-line of a mini football or rugby field.

Gillian Cowan
Private Banking Manager
North & East Antrim
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A highly versatile adviser, confidante - and taxi driver for her sporting sons…
Gillian has over 20 years of high-level banking experience since joining the Bank in December 1998. She has enjoyed various roles within that time, including Mortgage Consultant, Executive Banking Manager, Team Leader, Branch Manager and now as a Private Banking Manager managing a portfolio of high-net-worth clients who enjoy a totally bespoke service to help them manage their everyday banking, borrowing and investment needs - from buying their first home to retirement planning. Gillian is also a busy Mum to two boys and spends many evenings and Saturdays driving them to and from football matches and cheering from the side-lines. Gillian also loves long walks in the countryside with her family and dog Bleu.

Sharon Campbell
Private Banking Manager
Greater Belfast & East Antrim
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Highly experienced and respected, and a go-to adviser over more than one generation…
Sharon has an enviable record of working at the very forefront of the Northern Ireland banking and financial services sector for many years. Within the Bank, since joining in 1994, she has worked as a Mortgage Consultant and Executive Banking Manager before joining the Private Banking team in 2010. Since then, Sharon’s clients have come to know her as a highly trusted adviser - friendly, knowledgeable and totally dedicated to defining and developing strategies to meet their short-term and long-term life goals. Indeed, many of the clients she has worked with have introduced family members and colleagues so that they too can benefit from her expertise. Away from work, Sharon enjoys travelling and spending quality time with her daughters and granddaughter.

Margaret Roy
Private Banking Manager
Greater Belfast & East Antrim
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Immersed in her clients’ major financial decisions - which she plans on her early seaside strolls…
Margaret has first-hand of experience at every level of banking since she joined the Bank as a part-time cashier in 1989. Soon after, she then became a Mortgage Consultant and later took on the role of Executive Banking Manager before becoming a Private Banking Manager. Colleagues and clients regard Margaret as exceptionally highly motivated and thoroughly customer focused. She emphasises her role as a financial partner who is immersed in her clients’ major financial decisions, from house purchase to retirement or to inheritance planning with wealth partners. With two sons who have played football from an early age, Margaret has been a dedicated supporter every Saturday from the side- lines. An early riser, she loves morning walks along the seafront to set her up for her working day.

Tracy Morris
Private Banking Manager
Greater Belfast
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A thirst for everyday interaction with her clients - and a taste for some treats in the kitchen…
With over twenty years’ experience in the Bank, Tracy has undertaken multiple roles within our branch network, including Branch Manager, and was involved in a number of strategic projects before joining Private Banking in 2013. Tracy particularly loves the daily interaction with her clients, building trusted relationships and creating an environment where she can provide support and advice whilst delivering excellent customer service. A busy mum of three boys, Tracy enjoys socialising with friends and family. Hobbies include walking and home baking - although she freely admits that she is not quite at Mary Berry’s level yet.

Siobhan McGrath
Senior Private Banking Manager
Fermanagh & West Tyrone
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Energetic Siobhan is known for her mantra: ‘Do a job that you love and you’ll never work a day in your life’…
Siobhan joined the Bank in 1995 after graduating from Ulster University with a BSc in Computer Science. Before moving to Private Banking in 2008, she held a number of varied roles including those of Agri Business Manager and Business Banking Manager. Looking after her customers is what Siobhan enjoys best, working closely with high-net-worth clients to help them realise their financial goals. Siobhan thrives in a busy working environment and has acquired ILM Level 5 in Leadership and Management and is an Associate member of the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment. She is also a mum of two as well as a keen cyclist and a somewhat reluctant runner.

Ciara Mallon
Private Banking Manager
Mourne
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For Ciara, delivering a professional, expert and friendly service is music to her ears…
Ciara has worked for the Bank for over 25 years. She joined the Private Banking Team in 2010 having spent the first part of her career in roles such as Executive Banking Manager, Regulated Mortgage Consultant, Branch Manager and Personal Banker. Ciara enjoys getting to know her clients thoroughly to build strong relationships and to ensure that she understands and meets their financial goals perfectly. She delivers a professional, accessible and friendly service across everything from everyday banking needs to more complex lending requirements. Outside of work, Ciara loves spending time with her family, walking her dog, hiking in the Mournes and attending live concerts.

Allison Shilliday
Private Banking Manager
Mid Ulster & South Tyrone
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Hugely experienced, Allison is known for building successful relationships with her clients - and letting her creative side shine through as well…
Allison has worked for the Bank since 1994. As well as time spent in Branch Banking, she previously worked as a Financial Adviser and Mortgage Consultant before taking up her role in Private Banking in 2010. She is both CeMAP and CeFA qualified and is a passionate believer in spending time getting to know her Private Banking clients in order to understand their financial needs and ambitions and to help them with their all-important financial decisions. Outside of work, Allison enjoys visiting the gym, taking walks with her dog and also spending time dabbling in the creative arts.

Olivia Brooks
Private Banking Manager
Greater Belfast & Lisburn
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Understanding client goals and shaping bespoke strategies for success - with a little weekend break thrown in occasionally…
With over 25 years’ experience in banking, Olivia has specialised in Private Client relationship management for the past 15 years both as an Executive Banking Manager and Private Banking Manager. Olivia has a BSc degree in Banking & Finance from Ulster University and this, together with her professional qualifications in Financial Planning (CIP) and Mortgages (CeMAP), enables her to provide clients with bespoke solutions to their financial goals. Away from work, Olivia keeps busy with her three sons who are all active in football, rugby, hockey, basketball and judo. With precious little time for herself she does however try to escape on city breaks and also enjoys walking and reading.

Tracey Weir
Manager, Private Adviser Team
“We make sure your every day banking transactions are delivered seamlessly, so your Private Banking Manager can focus on delivering added value for you.”
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Helping to maximise and extend our Private Banking services - and to play an active role in the local community…
Tracey joined the Bank in 1993 and has since worked extensively throughout our branch network in wide-ranging roles before joining the Private Banking Adviser Team in 2013. After four years, she moved to managing the Adviser Team, helping them to define and further develop our excellent service to all clients and to our Private Banking Managers. Married with one daughter at university, Tracey’s time away from the office is immersed in both the Girls’ Brigade and the Duke of Edinburgh scheme.

Gail Crawford
Private Banking Adviser
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A rich array of experience - and a passion for friends, family and fitness…
Gail began her banking career with the Bank in 2007, where she worked across the Branch Network. Having gained extensive experience in retail banking, Gail then joined the Private Banking Team in August 2019. Given her rich array of experience, Gail provides valued support to the Private Banking Managers and is committed to delivering exceptional customer experience to Private Banking clients. In her spare time, she enjoys boxercise classes, is a keen walker and loves spending time with her family and friends.

Natalie Strange
Private Banking Adviser
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Navigating evolving financial landscapes during the week - and local waters at the weekend…
Having joined the Bank in 2003, Natalie has since worked extensively across our Branch Network, Contact Centre and Sales Team. She graduated from the Institute of Banking through University College Dublin with a Professional Diploma in Financial Services and has been a member of the Private Banking team since 2015. Natalie enjoys the rapport and relationships that she is able to build with our high-net-worth clients on a daily basis. She is dedicated to providing exceptional customer service to our clients as they navigate through their day-to-day financial needs. And with a young family and a keen passion for boating, in her free time Natalie can also be found navigating around the winding Lough Erne waterways.

Amanda Baker
Private Banking Adviser
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Widely experienced, Amanda is both highly customer-focused - and a hugely supportive team player…
Amanda has over 25 years financial services experience since starting with the Bank in 1994. Since then she has worked extensively in our Customer Service Centre and across our branch banking network. In 2020, Amanda joined the Private Banking team and currently supports client needs and Private Banking Managers within the Advisory Team, which gives valued support to the team and exceptional service to clients. In her spare time, Amanda enjoys walking and socialising with friends and family.

Barbara McNally
Private Banking Adviser
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More than 20 years’ banking experience - and now enjoying a new role in our team…
Barbara is the newest member of the Private Advisory Team having started in 2021. She joined the Bank in 1998 and has worked in a number of roles in Branch Banking since then, gaining huge experience and a passion for exceptional client service. Barbara provides support to both our Private Banking Managers and clients in all aspects of their banking needs. Outside of work, Barbara is kept busy supporting her husband and young family in their many varied interests, not least their collective love of their local football team in Larne.
To become a Danske Private Banking client…
- You must be over 18 with single income of at least £75,000 or a joint income of at least £100,000
- You will need to hold a Danske Bank current account
- You will pay a £10 monthly service charge
If your spouse or civil partner is already a Danske Private Banking client, and you also hold a Danske Bank personal current account, you will benefit of the service through them free of charge.
Contact the Private Banking team:
privatebanking@danskebank.co.uk
Or speak to your local Private Banking Manager or our advisory team on 0345 266 8844.
Lines are open between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays or other holidays in Northern Ireland when the bank is not open for business.