Industry Excellence Awards
23 July 2024
The third Securities Finance Times Industry Excellence Awards brought the industry’s finest together for a night of celebration and entertainment in London
Image: Andrew Davis Photography
Securities Finance Times celebrated its third annual Industry Excellence Awards on 11 July 2024, returning to London’s Plaisterers Hall.
Legendary host Neil Griffiths presented 30 awards to the industry’s finest, declaring the winners of this year’s event, who were selected by an independent panel of market experts.
The awards are dedicated to supporting and recognising talented and dedicated firms, individuals and departments across the industry. Winners of the awards form part of an exclusive group comprising some of the most influential names in the financial services market.
Attendees celebrated lenders, data and technology providers, as well as repo, client services and operations teams.
This year’s Lifetime Achievement Award recognised Tony Venditti, head of strategic initiatives and sales, for his over 35 years of experience in the securities industry. Venditti embodies leadership, innovation, mentorship and expertise.
He has been instrumental in spearheading South Street Securities expansion into US equity finance and managing strategy across its affiliates. In addition, Venditti has been dedicated to mentoring the next generation, as he actively engages with students at a prominent college, offering individual mentorship and participating as a guest speaker.
Venditti says: "Thank you to my peers, colleagues, coworkers, and friends for making my career so fruitful and enjoyable over the past 35+ years. Lastly, I would like to thank my beautiful wife and family for being so supportive throughout the years of late nights and travel that allowed me to cement strong relationships, a key to making a milestone like this happen.
"As long as I can continue to learn something new, meet the next big client and teach by example (this is what makes me tick), it seems like the industry will always be stuck with me. A big thanks to all."
Guests also applauded Shaan Jivan, securities finance data product specialist at S&P Global Market Intelligence, on his Rising Star award win. He was recommended for being a dynamic and forward-thinking member of the team, who has quickly become a vital asset to the securities finance community.
Known to go the extra mile, Jivan is set to become one of the industry leaders of the future.
Commenting on his win, Jivan says: “I'm incredibly honoured to receive the Rising Star award from Securities Finance Times. It reflects the support, guidance and collaboration I've received from my colleagues and mentors. I'm deeply grateful for this acknowledgment and aim to continue to contribute positively to the securities finance industry.”
The team at S&P Global became this year’s most prolific winner, taking home another three awards from the night: Asian Data Provider of the Year, Global Data Provider of the Year, and Best Partnership of the Year — which the firm achieved through its partnership with FinOptSys.
Matthew Chessum, director of securities finance at S&P Global Market Intelligence, adds: “The entire securities finance team at S&P Global Market Intelligence is very grateful for the awards that we won. They are a testament to the hard work and extraordinary capabilities of our incredible team, as well as the strength and depth of collaboration with both our clients and the broader market.”
Brooke Gillman, managing director and global head of client relationship management at eSecLending, claimed the Industry Inspiration Award. This honour is awarded to an individual who is engaging, motivating and dynamic, and has been making waves in the securities finance industry for over 10 years.
Gillman has been a founding member of eSecLending since its inception in 2000. Her commitment extends beyond her professional role, as she became a founding leadership team member for Women in Securities Finance, and serves as secretary for the Global Peer Financing Association. Gillman’s leadership inspires many within and outside of the industry.
“This award is more about how much our industry has changed and evolved over the past years than it is about one person,” says Gillman. “The collective voice that many new organisations have amplified has changed how people see themselves in this industry and that matters a lot.”
She continues: “I am beyond grateful to my peers and colleagues in this industry for the recognition and can’t wait to continue learning, sharing, and networking with you in the years to come. Thank you, Securities Finance Times!”
Two new award winners to grace the stage at the annual Industry Excellence Awards included Wealthsimple — recipient of the New Securities Finance Team of the Year award — and Japan Securities Finance — winner of the Asian Repo Team of the Year award.
David Mak, executive director, securities finance at Wealthsimple, comments: “We are deeply humbled to be recognised on an industry-wide platform as the best new entrant in the global securities finance marketplace. What started as just an idea not too long ago to the ever-growing programme that stands today, this award is a testament to the commitment, drive and vision of everyone involved within the Wealthsimple team.
“The love for learning, dedication to providing innovative solutions, and passion for delivering an exceptional client experience has culminated with this achievement. This is truly an honour and privilege that would not be possible without the support and collaboration from all our stakeholders. We look forward to building on this momentum and delivering value-added contributions to the industry."
Commenting on Japan Securities Finance’s win, Yutaka Okada, senior managing executive officer at JSF, says: “We are very much proud of our team as the JSF has been acknowledged for its active role in the Asian Repo market as a leading Japanese liquidity provider specialised in securities finance.
“Based on our corporate message, “Be unique. Be a pioneer.”, we will continue to fully leverage our advantageous unique position, thereby contributing to intermediate securities and financial markets, as well as domestic and global markets as market infrastructure.”
Other winners included EquiLend, which won three awards at the London event. The firm collected the European Data Provider of the Year, Americas Data Provider of the Year, and Regulatory Solution of the Year awards.
Ownera was chosen for the Innovation of the Year award, while LCH RepoClear won the ESG Initiative of the Year award, and Murex holds the title of Post Trade Technology Provider of the Year.
Legendary host Neil Griffiths presented 30 awards to the industry’s finest, declaring the winners of this year’s event, who were selected by an independent panel of market experts.
The awards are dedicated to supporting and recognising talented and dedicated firms, individuals and departments across the industry. Winners of the awards form part of an exclusive group comprising some of the most influential names in the financial services market.
Attendees celebrated lenders, data and technology providers, as well as repo, client services and operations teams.
This year’s Lifetime Achievement Award recognised Tony Venditti, head of strategic initiatives and sales, for his over 35 years of experience in the securities industry. Venditti embodies leadership, innovation, mentorship and expertise.
He has been instrumental in spearheading South Street Securities expansion into US equity finance and managing strategy across its affiliates. In addition, Venditti has been dedicated to mentoring the next generation, as he actively engages with students at a prominent college, offering individual mentorship and participating as a guest speaker.
Venditti says: "Thank you to my peers, colleagues, coworkers, and friends for making my career so fruitful and enjoyable over the past 35+ years. Lastly, I would like to thank my beautiful wife and family for being so supportive throughout the years of late nights and travel that allowed me to cement strong relationships, a key to making a milestone like this happen.
"As long as I can continue to learn something new, meet the next big client and teach by example (this is what makes me tick), it seems like the industry will always be stuck with me. A big thanks to all."
Guests also applauded Shaan Jivan, securities finance data product specialist at S&P Global Market Intelligence, on his Rising Star award win. He was recommended for being a dynamic and forward-thinking member of the team, who has quickly become a vital asset to the securities finance community.
Known to go the extra mile, Jivan is set to become one of the industry leaders of the future.
Commenting on his win, Jivan says: “I'm incredibly honoured to receive the Rising Star award from Securities Finance Times. It reflects the support, guidance and collaboration I've received from my colleagues and mentors. I'm deeply grateful for this acknowledgment and aim to continue to contribute positively to the securities finance industry.”
The team at S&P Global became this year’s most prolific winner, taking home another three awards from the night: Asian Data Provider of the Year, Global Data Provider of the Year, and Best Partnership of the Year — which the firm achieved through its partnership with FinOptSys.
Matthew Chessum, director of securities finance at S&P Global Market Intelligence, adds: “The entire securities finance team at S&P Global Market Intelligence is very grateful for the awards that we won. They are a testament to the hard work and extraordinary capabilities of our incredible team, as well as the strength and depth of collaboration with both our clients and the broader market.”
Brooke Gillman, managing director and global head of client relationship management at eSecLending, claimed the Industry Inspiration Award. This honour is awarded to an individual who is engaging, motivating and dynamic, and has been making waves in the securities finance industry for over 10 years.
Gillman has been a founding member of eSecLending since its inception in 2000. Her commitment extends beyond her professional role, as she became a founding leadership team member for Women in Securities Finance, and serves as secretary for the Global Peer Financing Association. Gillman’s leadership inspires many within and outside of the industry.
“This award is more about how much our industry has changed and evolved over the past years than it is about one person,” says Gillman. “The collective voice that many new organisations have amplified has changed how people see themselves in this industry and that matters a lot.”
She continues: “I am beyond grateful to my peers and colleagues in this industry for the recognition and can’t wait to continue learning, sharing, and networking with you in the years to come. Thank you, Securities Finance Times!”
Two new award winners to grace the stage at the annual Industry Excellence Awards included Wealthsimple — recipient of the New Securities Finance Team of the Year award — and Japan Securities Finance — winner of the Asian Repo Team of the Year award.
David Mak, executive director, securities finance at Wealthsimple, comments: “We are deeply humbled to be recognised on an industry-wide platform as the best new entrant in the global securities finance marketplace. What started as just an idea not too long ago to the ever-growing programme that stands today, this award is a testament to the commitment, drive and vision of everyone involved within the Wealthsimple team.
“The love for learning, dedication to providing innovative solutions, and passion for delivering an exceptional client experience has culminated with this achievement. This is truly an honour and privilege that would not be possible without the support and collaboration from all our stakeholders. We look forward to building on this momentum and delivering value-added contributions to the industry."
Commenting on Japan Securities Finance’s win, Yutaka Okada, senior managing executive officer at JSF, says: “We are very much proud of our team as the JSF has been acknowledged for its active role in the Asian Repo market as a leading Japanese liquidity provider specialised in securities finance.
“Based on our corporate message, “Be unique. Be a pioneer.”, we will continue to fully leverage our advantageous unique position, thereby contributing to intermediate securities and financial markets, as well as domestic and global markets as market infrastructure.”
Other winners included EquiLend, which won three awards at the London event. The firm collected the European Data Provider of the Year, Americas Data Provider of the Year, and Regulatory Solution of the Year awards.
Ownera was chosen for the Innovation of the Year award, while LCH RepoClear won the ESG Initiative of the Year award, and Murex holds the title of Post Trade Technology Provider of the Year.
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100% ON RETURNS If you invest in only one securities finance news source this year, make sure it is your free subscription to Securities Finance Times