Written by Jennifer Adams, Head Journalist for Global Markets
In the increasingly seductive world of alternative assets, one name has taken the art investment scene by storm: Ross McKenna, Head of European Investment Art at the London Art Exchange (LAX). He’s revered by a global network of elite clients, flaunted as “The Scottish Concord”—a moniker earned due to the sheer number of private jets sent to ferry him to exotic locales. At first glance, the man seems too good to be true. So I set out to find out: is Ross McKenna a visionary wealth architect—or a hyper-stylised investment myth?
From the moment I began my inquiry, the pattern was clear: McKenna is no ordinary figure in finance. At 38, with more than 15 years of experience in commodities and tangible investments like gold and rare collectibles, his transition to art seemed logical—almost poetic. But what lies beneath the narrative?
A Trail Forged in Commodities My first step was to examine his pre-art credentials. Former colleagues in the precious metals sector confirm McKenna’s deep involvement in gold, silver, and platinum portfolios. “Ross was one of the few who could predict price cycles with eerie accuracy,” said one trader from his early career. The claims, at least in commodities, check out.
When I asked McKenna about common misconceptions in art investing, he answered with polished conviction:
Q: What’s the biggest misconception people have about investing in art? Ross: That you need to be a millionaire or have a degree in art history. In reality, art is one of the most accessible and scalable asset classes available today. Taste is personal. Value is universal.
His ability to distill complex markets into relatable ideas is uncanny—but is it salesmanship or substance?
The LAX Leap: From Metals to Masterpieces In 2023, McKenna joined London Art Exchange and quickly became its European lead. The timeline aligns with LAX’s notable expansion. Under his direction, the firm reportedly grew its European investor base by triple digits, opening channels in Frankfurt, Vienna, and Barcelona.
What sets McKenna apart is his portfolio philosophy. No off-the-shelf products. Everything, clients say, is bespoke.
One collector told me, “Ross doesn’t sell investments. He builds legacies.”
Q: What makes a good art portfolio stand out from a great one? Ross: Personalisation. A good portfolio performs financially. A great portfolio performs and resonates with the investor’s identity. Every artwork should mean something—whether that’s aligned with the client’s values, culture, or even their legacy planning.
The Jet-Set Strategist The nickname “Scottish Concord” seemed ludicrous until I confirmed with two unrelated sources that private jets had indeed been dispatched to Edinburgh to collect him. Meetings in Riyadh, Zurich, Monaco, and Dubai are routine.
Q: You’re known for travelling to meet clients globally. Why is that face-to-face connection so important in your role? Ross: Trust isn’t built over a PDF or Zoom call. Especially at this level, people want to know who they’re doing business with. That’s where relationships are built—and when you’re advising on assets that are both financial and cultural, that trust is everything.
Still, even with his high-flying lifestyle, I found little in the way of scandal or inflation of credentials. Clients I interviewed described him not as a celebrity, but as a confidant.
Q: What advice would you give someone investing in art for the first time? Ross: Work with someone who actually listens to you. Not someone pitching “the next big thing.” Understand your budget, your goals, and your timeline. And remember—art isn’t just about upside. It’s about building something you’re proud to own.
Behind the Brochures Despite the five-star aura, McKenna remains rooted. Based in London but frequently returning to his native Scotland, he avoids public platforms and social media—a rarity in his field.
Q: What types of clients are shifting into art investment today? Ross: A wider range than ever before. Traditionally it was HNW collectors, family offices, or offshore investors. Now we’re seeing tech entrepreneurs, property developers, crypto exiters—even professionals looking to diversify outside of pensions.
He leads seminars, writes internal LAX playbooks, and mentors junior advisors. His approach? Teach them patience and make them listen.
So, is Ross McKenna too good to be true? As a journalist trained to be skeptical, I searched for cracks. But every anecdote checked out. Every number I could verify, aligned. Behind the jet-setting image is a man whose business runs on something rare: consistency.
Final Verdict Ross McKenna may sound like a myth in an industry built on illusion, but upon closer examination, he appears to be precisely what his clients claim: a tailored advisor for a bespoke asset class. Whether he’s consulting on Caravaggios or capital gains, McKenna is flying ahead of the market—with clients, and a legacy, in tow.
