Can you tell me about your journey into the securities finance industry?
My route into the securities finance industry was different to a lot of my peers, as I decided not to go to university and instead jump straight into beginning my career. The fast-paced world of financial markets and technology, and how it impacts our everyday lives, was always an area that interested me.
This led me to join Tradeweb as a desk assistant in 2014, supporting different teams across the company with administrative tasks, client onboarding, or any other functions where I could be of help. From there, I moved into several different roles across different product areas, before taking on my current role in the repo product team.
I am fortunate to have been given a chance at just 18 years old by a company that prioritises recruiting from a diverse pipeline of talent, which includes those from different educational backgrounds.
As a young professional, what aspects of your role or the industry do you find most exciting?
In my nearly 10 years in this industry, I have seen the repo market undergo significant change and grow massively to where it is today. However, there still remain many pockets of the repo market that rely on voice trading, and I find the challenge of building out our product offering, tapping into new markets, and bringing new clients and dealers onto the platform to be the most exciting aspect of my role.
I spend a lot of time with both our buy and sell side clients to understand their pain points and how Tradeweb can bring greater time and cost efficiencies to their workflows. I have always been an outgoing and sociable person, so the relationship side of my role is something I particularly enjoy.
Our most significant product launches and enhancements have often started from an informal conversation with a client, where they might mention a challenge they currently face, and then we go talk to our technology teams about how to develop the right solutions that help address them. Instead of pinpointing one project that has been especially rewarding, for me what matters the most is getting to see the real-world impact of all these conversations and hard work, both externally and internally, on the electronification of repo trading.
Many companies offer various training and development opportunities for their employees. How has your company supported your growth?
Tradeweb has always encouraged employees to pursue their interests and, therefore, strives to provide opportunities for individuals to explore and learn different areas of the business. This is why many employees entered the company in one team and then went on to transition to an entirely different part of the business. I would not have been able to get to where I am today if I was not given the opportunity to move around internally, and for the emphasis that Tradeweb puts on our own professional development and career growth.
Tradeweb also has in place a global mentoring programme, which has helped me learn so much from some of the company’s senior executives. I believe having a mentor is so important for young professionals in this industry, especially in my case. Even without having much prior experience, I was able to benefit from a strong support system that helped me to navigate the work environment.
As well as being a mentee, I have also made it a priority to share my experience choosing a less conventional path into financial services with those just beginning their career. I know first-hand how overwhelming it can be for young people trying to enter this industry, so passing on my knowledge and providing any guidance that I can is really important to me.
What misconceptions about working in the financial industry have you encountered, and how do you address these challenges?
A common misconception about working in financial services is that you need a certain kind of academic background. As my own career path has demonstrated, young people should not be discouraged from trying to enter this industry even if they do not fit the traditional candidate criteria. Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, and Oprah Winfrey, for instance, never got a university degree, but still managed to become hugely successful in their respective fields.
As the saying goes, our strength lies in our differences, not in our similarities. What sets Tradeweb apart is that it recognises the importance of having a diverse workforce that brings various perspectives together, and all companies should ensure they are giving equal opportunities and chances to all young people.
Another misconception is: “If it ain't broke, don't fix it”. If the growth of electronification has taught us anything, it is that change can be good, and just because it has not been done before does not mean we should not give it a try. Take the institutional repo market, for example, an industry that has been long dominated by voice trading, with all its inherent inefficiencies. After a lot of hard work and technological innovation, today electronic trading tools form an invaluable part of investors’ repo toolkit.
We should continue to challenge existing processes and push the boundaries to find new ways to transform digital workflows. However, we should do so in close collaboration with our clients and the broader industry. Our goal is not to disrupt, but to enhance repo execution.
Looking ahead, where do you see yourself in the next five years in terms of your career goals and aspirations?
If I was asked that question when I first started my career, my answer would have been completely different compared to this moment. While I have no fixed plans, I would like to spend more time travelling and helping to expand our business, while simultaneously growing the relationships I have in this industry.
The repo market is at this exciting inflexion point where electronification can only continue to proliferate and reach new markets around the world. In this type of role, a strong professional network really means everything and there is so much value in meeting face-to-face.
In terms of specific skills or experiences, I would like to focus on broadening my remit and getting into new securities financing product areas. I have always liked a challenge, and there is so much more we can do to digitise these more nascent markets.
What advice do you have for other young professionals aspiring to pursue a career in your industry?
Do not be afraid to go after opportunities and ignore that tiny voice in your head that might say: “You can’t do this.” If my career path can teach young professionals anything, it is that everyone’s journey looks different, and I would not have reached the place I am in today if I did not take risks and seek out new challenges and projects to be involved in, while also being eager to learn from those around me.
Additionally, having a strong support network of mentors, both formal and informal, is so important in helping newcomers to successfully navigate some of the challenges they might face in their career. I strongly recommend that individuals reach out and connect with their more senior colleagues who could add value to their professional development.
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