Philosophy

Structure Built on Purpose

Geldem Capital was established to solve a structural problem in private wealth management. Entrepreneurs who build businesses apply discipline, governance and performance metrics to their operations. When they exit those businesses or begin focusing on accumulated family wealth, they enter a wealth management system designed for passive investors. The private banks and advisors they encounter rarely apply the same rigour they demanded in their business. The disconnect is obvious. We built this office to close that gap.

We serve families who refuse to treat wealth as static. Your capital is not a museum piece. It is a tool that requires active management, clear reporting and accountability. We apply corporate frameworks to private circumstances. That is our mandate.

Leadership and Lineage

James Hartley established Geldem Capital after two decades in institutional finance and corporate advisory. He completed his first degree at the University of Melbourne before earning his MBA from London Business School. His career began at Goldman Sachs in London, where he spent seven years advising UHNW clients on capital structuring and liquidity events.

He later joined Rothschild & Co as a Director, leading family office engagements across Europe. During this time, he observed a recurring pattern. Families with sophisticated operating businesses were receiving unsophisticated wealth advice. The banks they worked with prioritised product distribution over objective counsel. Hartley left to build a different model.

Geldem Capital was founded on the principle that private capital deserves the same rigour applied to institutional portfolios. Hartley led the investment committee and oversaw client strategy with an approach that was technical, not relational. Results mattered more than rapport.

Sadly, we lost James Hartley in 2024. His absence is deeply felt by the team he built and the families he served. The firm he established continues to operate on the principles that defined his leadership. The investment committee he assembled maintains the same discipline and technical rigour that characterised his work. His conviction that private capital deserves institutional precision remains the foundation of how Geldem Capital serves families today.

Operating Principles

Centralised Execution

We act as the single point of coordination for all financial, legal and operational matters. You deal with one team. That team manages the network of specialists required to execute your strategy.

Consolidated Reporting

We provide unified reporting across all assets and entities. You see the total picture. Performance is measured against objectives you define, not benchmarks we choose.

Organisational Clarity

Geldem Capital identifies inefficiencies in your current structure. Duplication of fees. Gaps in coverage. Misalignment between advisors. We fix what’s broken and eliminate what’s unnecessary.

Cost Discipline

Our model generates economies of scale through centralised services and asset consolidation. You pay for the work we do, not a percentage of the wealth you’ve already built.

Absolute Confidentiality

Geldem Capital engineers our workflow to ensure your confidentiality. We operate with the discretion you require, and the security protocols you expect.

Implementation Protocol

Identification

The process begins by mapping your objectives, constraints and priorities.

Situation Assessment

We audit your current financial position and organisational structure.

Asset Review

A complete analyse of holdings, entities and advisory relationships establishes the baseline.

Solution Design

We propose specific services, fee structures, implementation timelines and performance benchmarks.

Execution

Resources are deployed and governance protocols are established.

Ongoing Reporting

We deliver consolidated performance updates and strategic recommendations.