Fidelity Capital Markets
Jordan Dow
15 October 2024
Each day brings a new challenge for Jordan Dow, senior associate, Agency Lending Trading, at Fidelity Capital Markets, who speaks with Daniel Tison about the value of on-the-job training and thinking outside the box
Image: Jordan Dow
Can you tell me about your journey into the securities finance industry?
I was introduced to the securities finance industry through the rotational programme within Fidelity Capital Markets as a new associate. I was first attracted to the start-up nature of a new business unit in our Agency Lending offering, where I learned about the processes of bringing a new platform to market.
Through my first three years in a middle office role, I developed an appreciation for securities finance, as well as the industry’s expansive touchpoints to global markets and the economy. I then transitioned onto the international trading desk, where I had to start applying a global lens to our book of business.
My career in securities finance provides daily exposure to the downstream impacts of monetary and fiscal policy, geopolitical events, corporate actions, and many other market forces, creating an exciting and enriching experience.
As a young professional, what aspects of your role or the industry do you find most exciting?
Being a part of a new business unit is an experience I will take with me throughout my career. Early on, I was introduced to the functional foundation of the business, from drafting policies and daily procedures to assisting in product development and legal framework. Each day brings a new challenge, and there was no better way to learn this business than finding solutions to those issues as they arise.
It has been rewarding to collaborate across our product, technology, and trading groups to develop innovative enhancements and solutions. Broad exposure to both operations and trading has provided me with a comprehensive view of our market positioning, how we deliver exceptional performance for our clients, and ideas for future innovative developments.
Many companies offer various training and development opportunities for their employees. How has your company supported your growth?
From the moment I stepped in the door at Fidelity I have been surrounded by mentors and fellow associates who want to see younger professionals succeed. There is an investment in new hires through mentorship programmes and first-year learning curriculums, but the cultural commitment toward helping develop in-house talent is second to none. Securities finance is not a business you learn about in a college lecture, so the support from colleagues through on-the-job training was key to learning the business.
What misconceptions about working in the financial industry have you encountered, and how do you address these challenges?
As I attended St Lawrence University, a small liberal arts school in upstate New York for my undergraduate, I was always concerned whether I would be prepared for a career in finance without obtaining the standard business degree. I quickly learned that some of the skills I obtained from a liberal arts degree — learning to think critically, analytically, and collaboratively to solve inefficiencies to name a few — ended up carrying more value than I anticipated.
As a young professional, the day-to-day business operations can be taught, but adopting a mindset of challenging inefficiencies and thinking outside the box can help you immediately contribute to any business unit’s success.
What advice do you have for other young professionals aspiring to pursue a career in your industry?
I encourage each new associate who joins our team to challenge the way we do things. From daily tasks to new trading strategies, associates new to the industry have an opportunity to provide fresh, innovative perspectives that can often lead to the development of new ideas.
I encourage anyone entering the industry to challenge the norm, learn from colleagues and clients about where inefficiencies lie, and suggest their own solutions. Often, you may realise things are done for a reason. However, bringing forth new ideas can spur supplemental growth where you least expect it.
As an industry, attracting young talent will be key to the continued evolution of the products and services we provide to beneficial owners.
Looking ahead, where do you see yourself in the next five years in terms of your career goals and aspirations?
Fidelity Agency Lending has an exciting future. Between the growth of additional product offerings, the prospect of onboarding additional clients, and continued performance optimisation for our existing clients, I am motivated to continue being part of the firm’s success.
Thinking big picture, I also have the goal of continuing to sharpen my skill set and stay ahead of the curve on the evolving securities finance landscape. As an example, the rise of AI is a hot topic throughout the industry. Solving the puzzle of how our business interacts with and benefits from this technology will be a valuable skill set I hope to expand upon. Between large scale data aggregation, the identification of market trends, or risk management practices, the prospective value in this technology in our industry is endless
Jordan Dow bio
Based in Boston, Jordan Dow is responsible for the management and distribution of the international equity and US Treasury books of business.
He spent two years focusing on expanding distribution channels in APAC and EMEA regions during EMEA trading hours. Since transitioning back to US hours, Dow has utilised his previous experience within the product lines to expand the firm’s client supply, collateral, and borrower entity footprints globally for Fidelity Agency Lending.
Dow joined Fidelity Investments in 2018 through the Capital Markets Rotational Program. He has spent more than five years with Fidelity Agency Lending, in both middle office and international trading roles.
He earned a bachelor-of-arts degree in business and economics from St. Lawrence University in New York. He holds the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) Series 7 and Series 63 licences.
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