Can you give me an insight of your personal journey into the asset services industry, why did you decide this was the career for you?
My journey into the asset servicing industry began in 2015 when I secured an internship with Citi in Milan, and I’ve been part of this field ever since.
As a naturally curious person who loves learning new things, I found this key area of finance fascinating. The depth and breadth of knowledge required in this industry have kept me engaged to this day.
I was lucky enough to witness first-hand a significant shift as the industry in Italy migrated from phone pre-matching to TARGET2-Securities (T2S). Experiencing the way automation revolutionised what was previously a cumbersome process was eye-opening, and it further fueled my interest in the field.
Being part of a business with a leading global network gave me the chance to move to Citi Ireland in 2016. This became a pivotal moment for both my personal and professional growth.
Working in a dynamic environment with countless opportunities, while living in a new country and connecting with incredible people from around the world, was an empowering experience for a driven and enthusiastic 19-year-old.
In Dublin, I gained hands-on experience in settlement roles supporting various markets before spending over six years as a business analyst managing large-scale initiatives.
Eventually, I returned to Milan as vice president in custody product management. My journey is a reflection of the geographic and functional career mobility opportunities that Citi is able to offer.
What aspects of your job do you enjoy the most?
What I enjoy most about my job is the constant interaction with so many talented and experienced individuals from around the world— within Citi and with clients, partners, regulators, and industry associations.
The custody role is incredibly dynamic, encompassing everything from problem-solving and strengthening client relationships to defining strategies for business growth and contributing to initiatives that improve the industry.
Being fairly new to the industry, how do you find your experience compares to those who are more established? Are there pros and cons to each?
Professional experience is an invaluable asset that can only be earned over time.
Established professionals benefit from the knowledge and insights they’ve gained through years of navigating challenges, refining processes and shaping industry standards. This often gives them an edge in tackling complex problems or driving improvements.
On the other hand, professionals that are newer to the industry or workforce can bring fresh ideas, diverse perspectives, and out-of-the-box thinking that can challenge the status quo and inspire innovation.
That is why it is crucial for senior professionals to engage with the next generation through discussions, idea exchanges, and initiatives like mentoring or reverse mentoring. These programs empower emerging leaders while offering seasoned professionals a fresh perspective that can enhance their own decision-making.
Much like the best football teams, I strongly believe that the most successful organisations are those that strike a balance between leveraging the experience of seasoned professionals while embracing the energy and creativity of newer talent. It is this diversity in thought and approach that ultimately drives winning results.
I myself have had the benefit of joining talent development programs at Citi that bring diverse colleagues together, and encourage us to continue to network, connect, and exchange ideas.
Have you noticed any misconceptions about the asset servicing industry? Is there anything in the industry you would like to see evolve or change?
In my view, the asset servicing industry often suffers from the misconception that it moves more slowly than other areas of banking. The general impression tends to be that the field is resistant to change with limited innovation prowess.
While the industry is commonly reliant on legacy technology, it is important to note the pace of change we are seeing today, and how far we have progressed.
If we take a big picture view, we can see that the industry has been consistently innovating. Over the past 50 years, we have moved from physical securities transfers to digital processes and reduced settlement cycles, going from T+5 to T+1 in the US. Additional markets and regions including Europe are following suit. We have also begun integrating digital assets and distributed ledger technologies (DLTs) into custody and settlements.
At Citi, where the custody business supports clients in over 100 markets, and covers 95 per cent of the world’s capitalisation, it is very exciting to be a part of the evolution of this industry.
What is the training process of a new employee? Do you think it was beneficial to your role and others who may now be in the same position you were?
When I first joined the bank, I spent most of my internship and following months side-by-side with extremely knowledgeable colleagues and took every opportunity to ask questions — I would not even spare them during coffee breaks!
The Covid-19 pandemic has significantly reshaped how we work and think about work, especially for new employees starting their careers in hybrid or remote environments. The onboarding and training experience today is quite different compared to what previous generations including myself experienced in the past.
Working from home and saving time on commuting offers undeniable convenience and improves work-life balance. It has become an essential part of what employers offer and is often a deciding factor for younger talent when choosing a company they want to work for.
That being said, I can not help but reflect on how valuable those hours spent in the office were during my own journey. No virtual meeting can replicate the efficiency of observing colleagues in action and being able to ask questions. I believe that good training, mentorship, and networking are critical ingredients for a successful career. Striking the right balance between flexibility and hands-on learning will be key to ensuring that new hires feel supported, connected, and equipped to thrive in their roles.
In terms of your career, where do you see yourself in a decade?
I can not imagine myself working in any other industry. A decade from now, I hope to be in a position where I can continue to make a meaningful contribution to the asset servicing industry. Whether that is through a leadership role or in another capacity, I want to leave a lasting impact.
Citi provides various career development initiatives that I intend to leverage to ensure I am well-prepared when the next opportunity arises.
What advice would you give to young graduates when entering the financial services field?
My advice to young graduates entering the financial services industry is to focus on building strong relationships, working hard, and believing in their potential. Seeking out good mentors who will guide them through the complexities of the field and share their valuable insights will accelerate their growth.
Networking is equally important — making an effort to meet as many people as possible, ideally in person, should be a priority. Nothing compares to the impact of a genuine handshake and face-to-face conversation. While hybrid and remote work offer flexibility, I would encourage young professionals to spend time in the office. This allows for organic learning and conversations as they absorb knowledge from experienced colleagues in ways that virtual meetings simply cannot replicate.
The financial services industry is full of opportunities for those who are curious and willing to innovate and there is room for improvement across many areas, which means there is also plenty of space to make a lasting impact!
Stay adaptable, keep learning, and do not be afraid to challenge the status quo. With dedication, confidence, and a proactive mindset, one can build a successful and rewarding career in this awesome industry.
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Image: Citi Investor Services 
