Can you give me an insight into your personal journey into the asset services industry, why did you decide this was the career for you?
I graduated from UCL and during my time there I completed many work experience programmes in financial services, ranging from corporate broking to M&A. My first job was in a very small crypto payments and trading startup where I was the third employee, growing to over 150. This experience was an incredibly steep learning curve, where I wore multiple hats and gained exposure to leadership positions.
Joining Zodia Custody then provided me with the opportunity to work for a crypto firm focusing on institutional asset servicing.
Exploring the intersection of crypto and traditional finance at Zodia Custody has been an insightful and rewarding experience so far!
What aspects of your job do you enjoy the most?
Developing strong client relationships while designing a tailored product that delivers exceptional utility has been both a challenging and fulfilling experience. Understanding client needs and translating them into innovative solutions is at the heart of what we do at Zodia Custody.
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?
As someone newer to the industry, I see my role as bringing a fresh perspective while learning from those with more established experience. Coming from a small startup environment, I have learned to adapt quickly, embrace iteration, and focus on achieving product-market fit — skills that are highly valuable in an evolving space like asset servicing.
At the same time, working alongside colleagues with deep expertise in custody has been incredibly beneficial. Their knowledge of the industry’s fundamentals, regulatory landscape, and long-term trends provides essential context that complements my more agile, innovation-driven approach.
I believe this balance of fresh thinking and institutional expertise is key to driving meaningful progress in the industry.
Have you noticed any misconceptions about the asset servicing industry? Is there anything in the industry you would like to see evolve or change?
One common misconception about the asset servicing industry is that it is purely operational and lacks innovation. In reality, it is an evolving space, especially with the integration of digital assets and new technologies such as AI.
As digital assets continue to gain traction, bridging the gap between traditional finance and emerging technologies will be crucial in shaping the future of asset servicing.
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?
As Zodia Custody is a small firm learning happens on the job, through collaboration and by leveraging the expertise of colleagues. Having joined with a strong background in the crypto landscape, I was able to quickly adapt. At Zodia Custody, we are encouraged to continue our professional development, and I have recently completed a course at Harvard Business School in ‘Launching Tech Ventures’.
In terms of your career, where do you see yourself in a decade?
With the pace of change in technological advancements, it is hard to even take a wild guess as to what the workplace will look like in ten years. Hopefully, any future roles will not be consumed by AI, and I am continuing to upskill with the ever-changing world.
What advice would you give to young graduates when entering the financial services field?
My biggest piece of advice for young graduates entering financial services is to stay curious and be adaptable. The industry is developing rapidly, especially with the rise of digital assets, and those who are willing to learn and embrace change will have a real advantage.
Do not be afraid to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and bring fresh ideas to the table — innovation often comes from those who see things differently.
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