Brett Dowsett

Business Analyst and Project Manager with 11+ years of experience across financial services and financial technology. Strong background in financial planning, wealth management systems, and CRM workflow optimisation, with 6 years at Iress working on Xplan and Xtools. Experienced in requirements gathering, system design support, Agile delivery, testing, and stakeholder collaboration.

Now focused on workflow optimisation, automation, and developing stronger technical and product-oriented capabilities. Right to work in the UK (no sponsorship required).

Consultant – Configuration Specialist - Evotra - London, UK

(2025-10)

• Configure and optimise CRM workflows for wealth management firms, translating business requirements into system configurations.
• Develop and maintain Xmerge-based reporting logic, using rule-based and Python-style syntax to extract and structure CRM data into client reports.
• Support implementation, testing, troubleshooting, documentation, and training to improve efficiency and adoption.
• Collaborate with consultants, clients, and vendors to deliver configuration changes and resolve system issues.
• Contribute to workflow improvements and lightweight automation ideas to reduce manual effort.

Project Manager - Independent Wealth Managers - Durban, SA

(2024-11 - 2025-09)

• Led CRM workflow optimisation initiatives to reduce manual processes and improve operational efficiency.
• Implemented digital tools, including e-signature, AI meeting software, and compliance systems.
• Delivered training to support the adoption of new technologies and process changes.
• Worked with leadership and developers to scope and evaluate automation and reporting tools.

Business Analyst – Xplan & Xtools (Financial Technology) - Iress - Durban, SA

(2019-01 - 2024-10)

• Translated complex business requirements into user stories, specifications, and delivery-ready items for Xplan and Xtools.
• Worked closely with engineering teams in Agile environments to design, refine, and deliver product features.
• Led workshops, discovery sessions, and demos to validate requirements and shape solutions.
• Supported backlog refinement, test case design, UAT, and release validation.
• Contributed to technical discussions on system design, workflows, and feature behaviour.
• Worked in a development environment on Xtools (cashflow modelling), including version-controlled builds and Excel-based enhancements.
• Produced documentation, release notes, and user guides aligned to global standards.

Financial Planner - Independent Wealth Managers - Cape Town, SA

(2017 - 2018)

• Developed financial plans for high-net-worth and corporate clients.
• Advised on investments, risk, estate planning, tax structuring, and portfolio strategy.

Earlier Career (Financial Services & Operations) - Various Financial Services & Operations Firms

(2011 - 2016)

Progression through roles in financial services, operations, and planning (2011–2016), including paraplanning, research, supply chain coordination, and internal sales support.

Postgraduate Diploma - Financial Planning Law - University of the Free State (2015 - 2015)

BCom (Hons) - Business Finance - University of KwaZulu-Natal (2011 - 2011)

BCom - Economics & Finance - University of KwaZulu-Natal (2010 - 2010)