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 took a more scenic route into the asset servicing industry, with my career starting in one of the ‘Big 4’ accountancy firms, where I trained as a chartered accountant. During my time there, I gained a strong foundation in financial services, auditing, and risk management, which gave me a deep appreciation for the intricacies of traditional finance. As my training contract drew to a close, I saw an opportunity to bring the skills and discipline I had developed into the digital assets servicing space by joining Zodia Custody.
What drew me most to digital assets custody was the challenge of working in an industry that was still defining itself. It is a field where innovation and adaptability are key and I was eager to contribute to building the infrastructure that will support the future of finance. For me, this step into the asset servicing industry was the perfect blend of leveraging my past experience while embracing a new and dynamic world.
What aspects of your job do you enjoy the most?
I enjoy having the opportunity to work at the cutting edge of finance and technology, Digital assets are reshaping the financial landscape, and being part of an industry that is driving this transformation is exciting. The digital assets sector is rapidly evolving and, while it tests your problem-solving abilities, it also exposes you to a wide variety of situations and enables you to work with a diverse range of people and teams. In my role, I collaborate with many teams, from developers to legal experts, to deliver secure and efficient solutions without compromise. This dynamic environment means no two days are the same which keeps me motivated and engaged.
How do you find your experience in the industry as a younger/newer person, compared to those who are more established? Are there pros and cons to each?
One of the best aspects of the crypto industry is that it is still relatively new, which means that everyone, regardless of age or experience, is learning and adapting together.
Unlike traditional finance, where seniority often correlates with experience, the digital assets space is one where fresh perspectives and innovative thinking are highly valued.
As a younger person in the industry, I have found this to be both empowering and challenging. On one hand, I am able to contribute meaningfully, while on the other, the rapid pace of change means there is always more to learn. This makes staying ahead of the curve a 24/7 job.
That said, I think the diversity of perspectives in crypto is one of its greatest strengths. Whether you are a seasoned professional coming from TradFi or a newcomer to the asset servicing world, everyone brings something unique to the table. It is a truly collaborative environment where innovation thrives.
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 a purely administrative or behind-the-scenes job. In reality, it is a highly strategic field, especially within digital assets.
Custodians play a critical role in ensuring security, compliance, and accessibility of assets, which is foundational to the growth of the ecosystem.
As a woman in the space, I would like to see greater diversity and inclusion in the industry. While progress is being made, there is still work to be done to ensure all underrepresented groups have equal opportunity to contribute and lead.
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?
The training process at Zodia Custody is very much hands-on and immersive, which aligns perfectly with the fast-paced nature of the space. Rather than a formal training programme, new employees learn through real-world experience, working alongside experienced colleagues on projects.
This approach allows new joiners to dive straight into the action and quickly develop a practical understanding of our industry. The dynamic environment also encourages you to take initiative, ask questions, and explore areas of interest.
While it can be intense at times, this style of learning has equipped me with the adaptability and problem-solving skills needed to thrive in such a rapidly evolving industry.
In terms of your career, where do you see yourself in 10 years?
A challenging question as it is hard to know where the digital assets space will be in two years, let alone in 10!
I would like to see myself continuing to grow and contribute to the digital assets and financial services industry. I hope to remain passionate about being part of this evolution.
What advice would you give to young graduates when entering the financial services field?
My advice to young graduates would be to stay curious and be ready to adapt to ever-changing scenarios. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and seek out mentors, there is so much to learn from everyone you meet.
Finally, I would stress the importance of remaining resilient. There will always be challenges to navigate, so perseverance and a positive attitude will take you far!
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