S&P Global Market Intelligence
Shaan Jivan
23 July 2024
In the first of our new 'Emerging Talent' series, the winner of the Rising Star title at this year’s Securities Finance Times Industry Excellence Awards Shaan Jivan speaks to Daniel Tison about his experience in the industry and his data journey at S&P Global Market Intelligence
Image: Andrew Davis
Can you tell me about your journey into the securities finance industry?
I started my career as a technical account manager for an OTC derivative post-trade platform vendor, where I honed my technical understanding of data delivery mechanisms and my relationship management skills.
I enjoyed the relationship management part of the role and wanted to combine it with my developing interest in data. An internal job posting for a product specialist in securities finance caught my eye and, after some insightful conversations with the team at S&P Global, I knew this was the perfect fit for me and I have not looked back since!
As a young professional, what aspects of your role or the industry do you find most exciting?
As a product specialist, you become an extension of your client’s teams. This can range from an agent lender relationship management team to a prime broker’s trading desk, right through to a hedge fund quant research team.
Being able to work with such a wide variety of teams, and maintain a comprehensive view of the entire supply chain, keeps the job dynamic exciting.
The opportunity to have an impact in the company and in the industry through my appointment as vice president of Empower UK, and with my participation in the International Securities Lending Association’s (ISLA) DEI steering committee, keeps me motivated.
One of the most rewarding experiences was hosting an educational briefing with ISLA Connects in May 2024, which focused on understanding data. I had the privilege of presenting the use cases of securities finance data to more than 40 clients in our boardroom, which was well received by those attending.
Many companies offer training and development opportunities for their employees. How has your company supported your growth?
S&P Global Market Intelligence has many mentorship programmes and development initiatives. I have taken part in a reverse mentoring scheme where we (affinity network members) had insightful discussions with a senior leader over the course of six months. I also have an internal mentor who has been crucial in helping me navigate my career journey.
S&P is also very supportive of learning and development and provides funding for external qualifications, which I have personally benefited from by earning my Certificate in ESG Investing. This commitment to professional development ensures that employees have the resources and opportunities to advance their skills and knowledge, keeping us at the forefront of industry trends and innovations.
Where do you see yourself in the next five years in terms of your career goals and aspirations?
I am looking to deepen my expertise in the industry to understand how I can best leverage the wealth of data, technology and expertise S&P Global has to offer to support the securities finance industry.I would also like to help develop the next generation, either through mentoring or thought leadership. My goal is to continuously grow professionally and make a meaningful impact in the industry.
What advice do you have for other young professionals aspiring to pursue a career in your industry?
One key piece of advice is to recognise that the financial industry is not just for those who studied mathematics. The industry is so vast and accommodates a wide range of skill sets. Even within areas that are slightly more mathematical, effective communication can still be more important as even the best ideas or strategies can fall flat if not communicated effectively.
Shaan Jivan bio
Growing up in the countryside surrounding London, Shaan Jivan moved closer to the capital after graduating. He always enjoyed playing badminton, and he was also a coxswain for the rowing team during his time at university, which helped shape who he is today.
Jivan graduated from the University of Warwick with a bachelor’s degree in maths, operational research, statistics, and economics (MORSE). While studying, he landed an internship with IHS Markit (now a part of S&P Global) as a technical account management associate, and started as a graduate at the firm a year later. He then moved to the data side of the business covering the securities finance industry as a product specialist.
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