Can you give us an insight into your personal journey into the asset services industry, why did you decide this was the career for you?
My path into the asset services industry was not linear, but it was intentional. I completed a Master of Laws (LLM) in banking and tech law, expecting to work in regulation or advisory. But as I delved deeper into the legal mechanics behind capital markets, I became more intrigued by how financial systems are upheld in practice, not just on paper.
What drew me in was the realisation that asset and securities services are the legal system of financial markets.
It is where rights are enforced, risks are mitigated, and obligations crystallised, much like how a legal framework underpins civil society. Securities might trade in milliseconds, but it is the post-trade world that ensures those trades have meaning, that they settle, are held correctly, and meet the rules set out in contracts, regulations, and cross-border frameworks. With my legal background, I was naturally drawn to this space, a hybrid of legal precision, operational complexity, and global finance.
It is where you can see the law come alive through systems, data, and client impact. Choosing securities services was not a pivot away from law, it was a deeper application of it, in a space that is both foundational and constantly evolving.
What aspects of your job do you enjoy the most?
What I enjoy most is the human side of complexity, building real relationships with clients while navigating technical terrain. There is a unique satisfaction in turning intricate processes into clear, confident conversations, and being seen as someone clients can genuinely rely on. It is not just about solving problems, it is about listening well, anticipating needs, and earning trust over time. I love that my role as a relationship manager lets me combine analytical thinking with emotional intelligence, which I think is at the heart of any great client relationship.
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?
There is definitely a learning curve but being newer can actually be an advantage. I often approach processes and challenges without the bias of “how things have always been done,” which allows me to spot inefficiencies or question logic that might otherwise be accepted.
That said, experienced professionals often bring a kind of market instinct that only comes from having seen things fail, succeed, or break down in real time.
There is no shortcut to that kind of judgment. Ideally, the best teams combine both perspectives: fresh eyes and deep roots.
Have you noticed any misconceptions about the asset servicing industry? Is there anything in the industry you would like to see evolve or change?
There is a persistent misconception that asset servicing is just a box-ticking, operational task, when in reality, it sits at the core of how financial markets function. It is not just about processing, it is about trust, risk, and precision at scale.
What I would like to see evolve is the mindset around it. This is not a static industry, we are at a tipping point with AI, tokenisation, digitisation, and the shift toward truly digital infrastructure.
The opportunity is not just to streamline what we already do, it is to reimagine it. The industry has the potential to move from being seen as a support function to a strategic lever for innovation and resilience across capital markets.
What is the training process for a new employee? Do you think it was beneficial to your role and others who may now be in same position you were
The training process at Clearstream is both structured and immersive. We are given a strong foundation through regular internal sessions, access to industry-recognised certifications like ICMA, and encouraged to attend key conferences such as ISLA, the Network Forum, and T+1 industry panels — which offer invaluable insight into where the market is headed.
Being part of the 30 under 30 cohort at the Network Forum was especially rewarding, it gave me direct exposure to senior industry leaders and cross-market discussions early in my career.
Beyond formal training, the most impactful learning came from real exposure: shadowing colleagues in client meetings and eventually being trusted with some of our largest client relationships.
That combination, structured education, external industry engagement, and meaningful responsibility created a steep but rewarding learning curve.
In terms of your career, where do you see yourself in a decade?
In ten years, I would like to be shaping strategy at a global level ideally leading transformation initiatives that modernise how asset services interacts with clients and regulators.
Whether that is through digital custody, market infrastructure reform, or the adoption of real-time settlement frameworks, I want to be part of making the system more intelligent, transparent, and client centric.
I would also love to be in a leadership role not just for the strategic impact, but because I have benefitted so much from mentors who took the time to teach, challenge, and guide me. Being able to do that for others, while helping steer the direction of the industry, would be a real privilege.
What advice would you give to young graduates when entering the financial services field?
Ask the questions even the ones you think might sound basic. The fastest learners are the ones who are not afraid to admit when they do not know something. Also, do not wait for the perfect task to be handed to you.
Put your hand up for the less glamorous work, the projects others avoid often teach you the most and get you noticed for the right reasons.
Take ownership early, and you will build trust faster than you expect.
And finally, work on your social skills. This industry runs on systems, but it thrives on relationships.
Knowing how to communicate, build rapport, and navigate different personalities is just as critical as technical knowledge, especially as you grow into more client-facing or leadership roles.
Industry Recommendations
“It is critical for Clearstream to continue investing in talent and the development of the skill sets necessary to manage complex and often geographically diverse relationships with our largest clients. Ines has excelled in her first few years at Clearstream and personifies all the key attributes required to be highly successful in the post trade industry — professionalism, determination and a strong intellectual curiosity.”
Marcus Austin
Head of sales and relationship management
Clearstream
“Working with Ines is genuinely a pleasure. She brings a bold, confident energy to everything she does, and her commitment to the team is second to none. She’s driven, collaborative, and always ready to tackle challenges head on. For Clearstream’s emerging talent, Ines is a brilliant example of how leadership, authenticity, and teamwork can come together to create a positive and inspiring work environment.”
Ashvini Nadarajalingam
Senior associate relationship management
Clearstream
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