Membership Directory - Individual
RICHARD MELLA
BRANCH AUDITOR at Raymond James
About
Bio: Richard (Rich) joined Raymond James in March 2021, having worked in the financial services industry for over 30 years, for a Life Office, Reassurer and Independent Financial Adviser before joining Raymond James. He is a Branch Auditor at Raymond James Investment Services in the UK. Primarily he conducts Branch Audits checking internal processes and procedures and that Investment Management and Financial Planning business written by the branches adheres to both company and regulatory requirements and standards. Very much a supporting role to the branches, the Audit and file review process entails travel across the country to conduct the reviews, production of reports and provision of feedback to Wealth Managers on the finding and the business written. He is also part of the company DEI strategy committee, formed to help drive DEI initiatives and objectives.
Encouraged by the proactive approach Raymond James is taking to diversity and inclusion, Rich is very pleased to be involved with Project 1000 and to be an ally to those already “out” (from any part of the rainbow family) but also those individuals who perhaps are not able to be as open about their sexuality as they might like, for whatever reason. Rich also sees the role as being an ally to those outside of the LGBT+ community; to educate and help promote a more equal and inclusive society.
Rich’s journey to where he is now saw him previously married and he has 2 adult children, but he felt unable for many years to “come out”, because of the environment he was in, so his life experiences put him in an uncommon position. It was only later that he felt able to “come out”, to everyone and whilst he now lives as an openly gay man, and is happily married (to Ricky) he fully understands that it’s not easy to be who you are and live a comfortable existence.
In his spare time Rich sings with a local chorus; The Herts & Soul Community Choir, who sing to raise funds for local charities, by performing at concerts in and around Hertfordshire and Essex. In addition, he is a keen cyclist and has undertaken some overseas charity rides raising £12k for Mind, Macmillan and Breast Cancer Now.
Encouraged by the proactive approach Raymond James is taking to diversity and inclusion, Rich is very pleased to be involved with Project 1000 and to be an ally to those already “out” (from any part of the rainbow family) but also those individuals who perhaps are not able to be as open about their sexuality as they might like, for whatever reason. Rich also sees the role as being an ally to those outside of the LGBT+ community; to educate and help promote a more equal and inclusive society.
Rich’s journey to where he is now saw him previously married and he has 2 adult children, but he felt unable for many years to “come out”, because of the environment he was in, so his life experiences put him in an uncommon position. It was only later that he felt able to “come out”, to everyone and whilst he now lives as an openly gay man, and is happily married (to Ricky) he fully understands that it’s not easy to be who you are and live a comfortable existence.
In his spare time Rich sings with a local chorus; The Herts & Soul Community Choir, who sing to raise funds for local charities, by performing at concerts in and around Hertfordshire and Essex. In addition, he is a keen cyclist and has undertaken some overseas charity rides raising £12k for Mind, Macmillan and Breast Cancer Now.
“I am proud to be a Project 1000 Role Model because although the world is moving in the right direction in terms of acceptance of LGBT+ individuals there is still a way to go before we reach the position of acceptance, without questioning. Our industry should reflect the diversity that exists in society and I hope that myself and the other Role Models, will enable others to feel they can stand Proud and be who they are without fear”.
Mentor Availability: Available
Location: Sawbridgeworth, England
Experience Level: Senior Management
Areas of Expertise: Compliance, Insurance, Operations
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Project 1000