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Interview

Waystone


Patricia Longwani


01 Oct 2025

Patricia Longwani, junior associate — regulatory fund reporting at Waystone, shares how her diverse background in finance, policy, and advocacy shaped her path into asset servicing, and why she sees fund reporting as both a technical craft and a platform for global impact

Image: Waystone
Can you give me an insight of your personal journey into the asset services industry, and why you chose this as a career?

My journey into the asset services space has been anything but linear, and I have come to see that as a strength even though I did not start out with a traditional asset management background.

My academic path was in business administration, majoring finance and economics, with a focus on sustainability and digital data analysis. I have also been deeply involved in policy research, youth advocacy, and development work across different countries.

So when I eventually entered the world of asset servicing, specifically within business controls oversight and regulatory fund reporting at Waystone, it was because I saw an opportunity to somehow bring structure to complexity.

My role now allows me to translate key regulatory information into actionable, investor-friendly documents. It is where data, governance, and transparency meet, and I love that. For me, it is a space where precision matters, but so does impact. That is what drew me in.

What aspects of your job do you enjoy the most?

I enjoy the analytical side of the work, whether it is preparing Packaged Retail and Insurance-based Investment Products (PRIIPs), Key Information Documents (KIDs), Undertakings for Collective Investment in Transferable Securities (UCITS) Key Investor Information Documents (KIIDs), coordinating the data collection process between relationship managers, compliance analysts, and investment managers, or contributing to MiFID reporting. There is a certain satisfaction in diving into fund data, calculating Synthetic Risk and Reward Indicator (SRRI), interpreting performance scenarios, and ensuring we meet evolving regulatory requirements.

But beyond the numbers, I also value the collaborative environment. I interact with asset managers, internal teams, and fund administrators across regions. That global exposure keeps me learning, questioning, and adapting. I also enjoy the balance, it is technical, but not isolated.

There is always a human side, whether it is defining requirements with clients or contributing to team projects that improve internal processes.

Being fairly new to the industry, how does your experience compare to those who are more established? Are there pros and cons to each?

Coming in as someone new has been exciting. Every challenge feels like a puzzle I get to solve, and there is still a strong sense of discovery in what I do. I bring curiosity and fresh perspective to the table, and I think that is valuable, especially in a space where regulation is constantly evolving.

At the same time, I deeply respect the experience of those who have been in the industry longer. The insights they offer, especially in how to anticipate regulatory shifts or handle dynamic client needs, have helped accelerate my own learning. I see it as a two-way street: those ahead of me provide mentorship, and I contribute energy, ideas, and adaptability.

Have you noticed any misconceptions about the asset servicing industry? Is there anything you would like to see evolve or change?

Yes, one major misconception is that asset servicing is rigid, technical, just numbers, and disconnected from the ‘real’ action in finance. In reality, it is foundational. We are the ones ensuring compliance, transparency, and investor trust. There is so much that goes into each regulatory document, from risk assessments to performance modeling, and it all impacts how funds are understood and accessed. The industry has many different specialities such as relationship management, DRO, and fund reporting of which only few of them are known.

I would also love to see the industry gain more visibility among young professionals.

You rarely hear someone say, “I want to go into fund reporting,” and I think that is a missed opportunity. This work is dynamic, globally relevant, and full of learning, we just need to showcase it better through projects with universities and schools.

What was the training process like for you as a new employee, and was it beneficial?

I started as an intern in the Business Controls and Risk Management team, which gave me a solid foundation in oversight and internal processes. Moving into the fund reporting team was a step up in responsibility, I got involved in KID coordination, regulatory interpretation, and day-to-day client and service provider interaction.

There was formal training, but I learned just as much through hands-on problem-solving and asking questions. I even developed some internal processes that the wider team later adopted, which was a proud moment. For me, the training process was only as valuable as I made it. I went beyond the role, reading industry materials, watching regulatory updates, and staying curious about the bigger picture. That mindset made all the difference.

In terms of your career, where do you see yourself in a decade?


I see myself in a leadership position, ideally one that allows me to bridge finance, policy, and sustainable development. Whether as a board director, conducting officer or advisor in international finance, I want to be at the table where strategy and impact intersect. Some might say that is ambitious, but I have always believed that the people crazy enough to think they can are often the ones who do. I am not just building a career, I am building a platform to contribute meaningfully.

From developing regulatory reporting processes today to shaping the financial systems of tomorrow, I am intentionally working towards that path.

What advice would you give to young graduates entering the financial services field?

Do not limit yourself. It is not just all about the numbers but the people, policy, regulation, and problem solving. It would be a great position to hold if you are curious, adaptable, and learn quickly, you will thrive.

Also, do not be afraid to ask questions or challenge a process, fresh eyes often spot things that experienced ones overlook. Read beyond your immediate tasks. Understand the wider industry. And if the chance comes to work across borders or disciplines, take it.

The most valuable professionals in this space are those who bring perspective and purpose, not just technical skills.
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