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?
Growing up, I excelled at maths, so choosing finance and management information systems for my university degree was a natural decision, especially coming from a family rooted in business occupations.
At the same time, I value interpersonal connections, so it was important to find a field that allowed me to integrate both skill sets. The financial sector, with its unique blend of analytical thinking and human relationships, stood out to me as the ideal match for my skills and aspirations.
As part of my studies at Northeastern University in Boston, I completed two professional placements, one of which was at State Street. This experience led to a full-time offer for their graduate scheme, where I had the opportunity to rotate through various capital markets roles, including FX sales, algorithmic trading, securities lending trading, and BestX Sales and Quant.
These rotations provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the industry and, most importantly, helped me identify my niche within the industry.
Ultimately, I chose to stay full time with BestX, the industry-standard multi-asset transaction cost analysis (TCA) product within the bank’s fintech arm, joining the sales and product team to work closely with quants and cover all asset classes.
What aspects of your job do you enjoy the most?
What I enjoy most about my job is the dynamic nature of my role, which blends sales, product, and quant responsibilities across all asset classes.
Every day is different, presenting new intellectual challenges that keep me engaged and constantly learning. I thrive in the startup-like culture my team operates within, which encourages innovation and agility.
My role allows me to strengthen the perfect balance of analytical and interpersonal skills that I am passionate about developing. Working with clients that include some of the world’s largest asset managers, hedge funds, banks, and non-bank liquidity providers is an incredible learning experience, exposing me to the best in the industry.
Most importantly, my team truly inspires me with their passion for our product and their drive to innovate within the industry. The shared commitment to excellence creates a motivating environment, making me genuinely excited to come to work each day.
How do you find your experience in the industry as a newer person, compared to those who are more established? Are there pros and cons to each?
The finance industry is undoubtedly characterised by a more established population compared to sectors like tech. However, I see this as an advantage, as it provides an incredible opportunity to learn from colleagues with years of expertise and deep industry insights. Their guidance has been invaluable in shaping my understanding and approach.
At the same time, being newer to the industry allows me to bring fresh ideas and energy to the table, offering a different perspective that can complement the experience of more established professionals.
Ultimately, it is about finding a balance, leveraging my own strengths while continuously learning from those who have been in the industry longer.
Have you noticed any misconceptions about the asset servicing industry? Is there anything in the industry you would like to see evolve or change?
A common misconception about the asset servicing industry is that it remains male-dominated. However, I have seen a significant shift, especially with my generation entering the field. It is no longer the men’s club it once was — many women are now in key roles, bringing fresh perspectives and driving innovation. This change is not just about diversity, but about the unique strengths women contribute, from leadership to reshaping how we approach industry challenges. I am excited to see this trend continue and would love to see even more women advancing in the field, as gender diversity enriches decision-making and fosters a more inclusive, forward-thinking environment.
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 for new employees can vary depending on the team, but a consistent factor is the importance of having strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills. With these, anyone can excel in the finance industry, regardless of their background.
Ultimately, most of what you need to know is learned on the job, given the complexity of each area within finance. The most important part of the training is being proactive — asking plenty of questions, learning from colleagues, and continuously building on the insights they share. This hands-on, collaborative learning is essential to success in the field.
In terms of your career, where do you see yourself in a decade?
In terms of my career, I take a somewhat unconventional approach to goal setting.
Rather than focusing too far ahead, I prefer to stay present, embrace the opportunities that come my way, and go with the flow. This approach has worked well for me so far, as it allowed me to find my niche at BestX, where I am able to combine my interests in capital markets, technology, and a client-facing role with a strong quantitative focus. I remain open to new opportunities that align with my skills and passions as they arise.
In 10 years, I would love to still be surrounded by motivated people who inspire me to come up with new ideas for innovation within the industry.
From a leadership perspective, I envision taking on more strategic responsibilities, contributing to the direction of the company, and mentoring others while continuing to drive meaningful change in the field.
What advice would you give to young graduates when entering the financial services field?
The number one piece of advice I would give to young graduates entering the financial services field is to not be afraid and to believe in yourself. While the industry can seem intimidating at first, it is actually full of opportunities for a wide range of skill sets. A career in financial services can be incredibly exciting, offering unique possibilities for growth and development that may be harder to find in other industries.
It is also important to find mentors who can guide you and support your development, and never underestimate the power of a strong network. Stay informed by following financial news and try to connect the dots between market events — this will deepen your understanding and help you think critically about the industry.
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Image: State Street 
