Rupert Cecil is the founder of Adena Street, which provides independent advice to individuals, families and charities on all aspects of philanthropy and charity governorship.
Rupert advises on the full range of considerations when establishing a gifting or philanthropy strategy, as well as supporting existing charities to improve governance, maximise returns and ensure their investment policy documentation is aligned with their needs and objectives. His work also includes trustee training, investment manager reviews and ongoing governance support. Rupert’s advice is deliberately independent and conflict‑free, focused on acting solely in his clients’ best interests.
He is a trustee of the Sir Bobby Charlton Foundation and Age UK Bolton, and is directly involved with a number of other charitable organisations. These roles give him practical, first‑hand insight into the realities of trusteeship and effective charitable governance.
Rupert is a qualified wealth planner and investment manager with over thirty‑five years’ experience advising institutions, individuals and a broad range of charities, including schools, universities, medical, religious, cultural and grant‑making bodies. He is trusted for his clear judgement, technical rigour and ability to translate complexity into practical, proportionate advice.
Before founding Adena Street, Rupert held senior leadership roles heading charities and philanthropy teams at major financial institutions, including HSBC, UBP – Union Bancaire Privée, Brown Shipley, and EFG Harris Allday. His earlier career included senior portfolio management roles within global investment firms, providing a strong institutional foundation to his advisory work.
As a Consultant to the Spencer West Private Office, Rupert works alongside legal, tax and advisory teams to support private clients with philanthropy strategy, charitable structuring and governance, particularly where long‑term family, reputational and financial considerations are central.