Can you tell me about your journey into the securities finance industry?
My journey into the securities finance industry would be what some call quite unconventional, as I did not really follow the usual path. After completing my degree in business economics, I entered the world of retail banking, where I managed to pick up some great skills, including how to work in a large financial organisation.
However, having always had an interest in the financial markets, global economics, and global affairs, I had an eye on moving into a role focused on the financial markets. I managed to secure a career move to a stockbroker, where I worked in their settlements team covering UK equities and fixed income, with this role also involving an element of transaction reporting.
It was this experience, and more so the transaction reporting, that eventually helped me make a move to London, with a role as an analyst at MUFG. Here, I started to work on the second Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID II) in more detail, and thoroughly enjoyed the faster-paced life that the role and London had to offer.
As with the city itself, opportunities to learn and expand my network were abundant, and during the pre-go-live days of the Securities Financing Transactions Regulation (SFTR), I was asked to join the project team to set about how MUFG would tackle this new and complex regime.
It was here where I first stepped foot into the world of securities finance, and where I remain today. As we all know, it is a thoroughly fast-paced industry and with the ever-changing nature comes so much to learn and so many great people to meet. I am grateful to some incredible individuals in the industry who helped shape my knowledge and expand my network.
Navigating this industry can be tricky at first, as there are many areas of expertise. I have always made sure that I asked questions and joined industry groups and events, such as from the Securities Finance Times, the International Capital Market Association (ICMA), or the International Securities Lending Association (ISLA), to name a few, to learn as much as I can.
From personal experience, the best way to learn is to listen and take notes from those with experience. But I am trying to pass on what I have learnt too, as we can all pass on knowledge to others who are entering this industry.
As a young professional, what aspects of your role or the industry do you find most exciting?
The personal and team achievements are most fulfilling, and when I combine this with the excitement that comes from an ever-changing industry, I very much enjoy what I do. While we all have tasks that are somewhat repetitive, no two days are ever the same, as challenges can appear at any stage during the day.
I also regard giving back as something that I hold close to me. As I mentioned, I learnt from a number of excellent mentors over the years, some of whom have become good friends. I have always valued their time and efforts, so for me, to now be able to give this back to others, who are younger than myself, is very rewarding. We can only move forward as one industry by working smarter, but also by working together.
Fortunately, I have been involved in numerous projects, but the standout for me has to be the SFTR. Learning about securities finance was a challenge in itself, so being able to pick this up and then go on to be a key person in my department is very rewarding!
Many companies offer various training and development opportunities for their employees. How has your company supported your growth?
Fortunately for me, MUFG has always been very happy to support these types of initiatives — in the form of on-the-job learning, courses around new technology, or even product training. Most recently, I have started studying for the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) exam, which MUFG supported, for which I am grateful.
In terms of other initiatives, we have a great mentor programme which I have been a part of since I joined the company. This has helped me expand my network, build relationships, and grow my confidence, which I believe is vital for any young person entering the industry. It is something I very much encourage others to be a part of too.
What misconceptions about working in the financial industry have you encountered, and how do you address these challenges?
The biggest misconception is that many people see this world through TV shows or movies, and while some things can be relatable, it is not quite the same! While we all work very hard and we can often work under challenging situations, it is always very rewarding. As I previously mentioned, no two days are ever the same so while this brings added challenges, it also helps us during our careers to learn how to navigate some of the complexities of the industry.
Looking ahead, where do you see yourself in the next five years in terms of your career goals and aspirations?
In the short term, I would love to have finished my CFA. My goal is to keep on listening and learning, building up my knowledge to be an asset to the industry, as with this comes greater opportunities. Being someone who is competitive and aspires to be successful, I just want to work hard to reach my goals and with this, I would like to climb the ladder within this industry.
On the other side of this, I would also like to give back and help others grow their knowledge and build up their confidence in the same way that my mentors helped me get to where I am today. I think this would also help me should I want to gain management responsibilities.
What advice do you have for other young professionals aspiring to pursue a career in your industry?
Never give up — this is not only for your professional life but your personal life too. There will always be difficult times, but please persevere, listen, and learn. If you do all of these, then I am sure you will be successful.
This is also something I learnt along the way, as I remember being uncertain and afraid to speak up at times, but always ask questions, show an interest, and put effort into all tasks that you are given every day. There will always be someone willing to take a chance on someone who they see as wanting to be a better individual.
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