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?
In my case, this started with StoneX. Being part of StoneX, for the past seven years, straight out of university, was my entry point into the financial services industry, as well as my entry point into asset services. Throughout this period of time, the company has seen exponential growth, becoming Nasdaq listed, and a Fortune 500 (#42) company; I have grown with it.
Around three years ago, the Prime Services desk was set up, nicely complementing our market-making desks within the Securities division. While I was part of another division at the time, it just looked so exciting ‘over there’, as I peered around the trading floor and heard talk about hedge funds, repo financing and such like. The general buzz was very intriguing and, eventually, through informal education and chats with the desk about the product suite, I felt a pluck of confidence to ask whether there would be any interest in bringing me on as the latest team member.
What aspects of your job do you enjoy the most?
To be at the starting point of the client’s journey feels like a privileged position. The early conversations, when a client is learning how I can be useful for their needs and when I am getting to know the client’s story, is where I commit to doing our best for the relationship.
There is a certain excitement that comes with getting a client live, and seeing that process come together from front to back, with trading desks through to operations all aligned.
Being fairly new to the industry, how do you find your experience compared to those who are more established? Are there pros and cons to each?
Coming into this without prior experience has actually proven helpful. I am used to fast learning, adapting quickly, and picking up new tools or technology without much friction. However, given the immensely fast-paced nature of the business, it has also been a baptism of fire at times. This was especially noticeable in the early days, learning through doing and can have a material impact. Although operating at high pressure can bring its stresses, coming in fresh means that if processes can be improved, I am able to make suggestions that can have a positive influence.
At the same time, I definitely recognise the value of people who have been in the industry longer. They have lived through full market cycles, know how funds operate and, importantly, understand the nuances that can only be learnt through experience. That kind of intuition and pattern recognition is something you cannot shortcut.
Have you noticed any misconceptions about the asset servicing industry? Is there anything in the industry you would like to see evolve or change?
Perhaps not a misconception as such, but I feel extremely grateful that I have not experienced the industry as being the ‘boys club’ stereotype that may have existed previously. I am part of the ‘Women of StoneX’, as well as other external networking groups that bring together women in the industry. The relationships I have formed through these groups have been important to my growth as a woman in asset services, as well as having direct relevance and adding value to my job. I would like to continue to see this take shape and take space within the industry as generations come through and the next wave of young professionals step into leadership roles.
On another note, my personal experience of sales in asset services has also challenged another stereotype that it is a culture based on coffees and lunches all day, every day. While it is certainly important to form a rapport with clients (one of the things that I love most about my job is the long-term partnerships with clients), speaking frankly, it has become obvious to me that clients respect a visibly hardworking approach. Meaning that as their sales coverage, I am there, boots on the ground, ready and willing to bring the account live. As the face of the relationship, it is important to me that this is the impression that is conveyed.
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 traditional exams still stand as prerequisites for my specific role, and passing them opened the door to becoming a UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) Authorised Person. The process of revising for and sitting these exams was valuable for me, as it helped me form a strong theoretical knowledge basis for securities and derivatives, including fixed income, equities and futures and options.
It was important to me to pass the exams within the first couple of months of starting the role, so that I could put the theory into practice. StoneX were very supportive of this as part of my training.
Shadowing my manager and team members on the trading desk was another key part of my early training and development and this was the most helpful element, as my learning style is through ‘doing’.
I value experience with the addition of personal, lived examples as I believe that these are the most valuable in a client facing role.
Wherever possible, I would recommend that those in a similar position to me to shadow their peers and colleagues, while not neglecting the formal, exam-based theory, as this will always stand you in good stead for future opportunities.
In terms of your career, where do you see yourself in a decade?
If someone had told me 10 years ago where I would be today, I probably would not have understood how I would get to this point.
Since joining StoneX at 21, and now at 28, I have moulded and shaped my career, through seeing opportunities and taking personal responsibility for my progression.
Joining at a junior level in the Compliance department, in another division, moving through to Relationship Management and now in Prime Services, within the Securities division, has felt very natural and organic, although it has also taken a lot of work not to stay in ‘one box’.
I must give kudos to StoneX for enabling, empowering and supporting me to take these career steps internally at StoneX.
At this stage, I am enjoying my role and very importantly, working with the team that I am part of more than anything else that I have experienced. I also love the world of securities andI have certainly clicked with it. So, I would hope that in ten years’ time, I am still in the world of asset services, but I also hope that my ability to spot opportunity evolves into making a positive impact as a key player and leader.
Above all, I hope to look back and know, with confidence, that I remained authentic throughout every career decision.
What advice would you give to young graduates when entering the financial services field?
Last summer, I had the pleasure of mentoring an intern on the StoneX graduate scheme. Throughout the 12 weeks, it was a delight to watch her evolve, grow in confidence and demonstrate her abilities.
One key theme that came up was the importance of always asking questions. This may be very basic, but it truly is the path to learning, and there is never a stupid question.
People respect someone who is self-effacing enough to ask a question, rather than potentially running the risk of wasting time, getting things wrong or perhaps even seeming arrogant.
Although it can be daunting at times and, given the dynamic environment of the trading floor, actually, asking a question can in fact show a keen interest and positive attitude to understanding.
Moreover, depending on the topic, how targeting or specific, this can also convey a good level of knowledge, showing awareness of nuances.
Comments from colleagues
“Antigoni is a true team player! Driven, hardworking, and an excellent communicator, she brings her full ‘self’ to the workplace. This authenticity allows her to build longstanding and genuine relationships with clients and colleagues across the firm.”
Dominic Stevens Vice president, Prime Services StoneX
“Antigoni has a real enthusiasm to learn and understands the bigger picture with clients, add to this her work ethic, it is easy to see why she has progressed so quickly in her role.”
Desmond Lawlor Senior vice president, Capital Introduction StoneX
Next interview →
SEB
Ann Magnusson
Image: StoneX 
.jpg)