Xceptor
Lester Buxton
13 May 2026
Lester Buxton, a project manager at Xceptor, discusses his unconventional path into fintech and how his doctorate in theoretical quantum physics helped him along the path in unexpected ways
Image: Xceptor
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?
After completing my PhD in theoretical quantum physics, I wanted a career that involved working with different people and challenged me beyond the academic world.
I was not specifically looking at financial services, but when I came across Xceptor, the role felt like a natural fit.
Problem-solving was something I loved most about my research, and at Xceptor, we’re tackling one of the most persistent and costly challenges in capital markets operations: fragmented data. Delivering solutions that address this for clients – while meeting their unique needs – means finding practical, effective answers every day.
I was also drawn to Xceptor’s culture, particularly the opportunity to work closely with clients and collaborate across different teams.
I did not know much about the industry when I first joined, but that only made it more appealing. I wanted something that would push me outside my comfort zone, and it is done exactly that.
What aspects of your job do you enjoy most?
I love working with a range of people, both internally and externally. I get to collaborate with everyone from developers and business analysts to clients and their operations teams.
As a project manager, I am often the person connecting all those different perspectives, which I find rewarding. I also enjoy that no two days look the same.
When something unexpected comes up on a project, figuring out the best path forward with the team is genuinely satisfying.
Being fairly new to the industry, how does your experience compare to those who are more established? Are there pros and cons?
Being newer to the industry definitely has its pros and cons. On the plus side, coming from a different academic background means I approach problems without preconceptions. I ask questions that others might not think about, and I am not constrained by ‘the way things have always been done’.
On the other hand, there’s a depth of institutional and market knowledge that more established colleagues have built over years, and that takes time to develop.
I have been fortunate that my Xceptor colleagues have been incredibly generous with their time and knowledge, which has helped me close that gap faster than I expected.
Have you noticed any misconceptions about the asset servicing industry?
Absolutely. I think the biggest misconception is that it is dry or purely back office work. Before I joined, I had little knowledge about asset servicing, and I suspect most people outside the industry feel the same.
The reality is that it is fast-paced, requires complex problem-solving, and involves constant collaboration with clients and stakeholders. There is also a perception that you need a finance degree, which certainly was not the case for me.
Is there anything in the industry you would like to see evolve or change?
I would love to see the industry become more accessible and diverse. My own path, from a quantum physics doctorate to fintech, shows it is possible, but there is still a long way to go in terms of attracting talent from a wider range of backgrounds.
Beyond that, the pace of technology adoption could be faster.
There is enormous potential for automation and data-driven decision-making in asset servicing, and while companies like Xceptor are leading the way, the industry as a whole could be bolder in embracing change.
What is the training process for a new employee? Was it beneficial to your role and those now in the same position?
When I joined, there was a structured onboarding process through Xceptor Academy that gave me a strong grounding in both the product and the industry.
But honestly, much of the most valuable learning happened on the job: working on live client projects, learning from experienced colleagues, and resolving challenges in real time. Moving from implementation consultant to project manager was a big step, and I learned a huge amount through that transition.
The combination of formal training and hands-on experience is important, and it is great to see Xceptor’s onboarding process continue to evolve.
In terms of your career, where do you see yourself in a decade?
That is a big question! I would like to shape how we deliver for clients at a strategic level, whether that is leading a delivery function or moving into a broader leadership role. I am also passionate about supporting the next wave of industry talent, so mentoring and people development would be an important part of that.
Ultimately, I want to keep being challenged and continue working with great people. That is what drew me to Xceptor in the first place.
What advice would you give to young graduates entering the financial services field?
Do not assume you need a traditional finance background. I came from quantum physics, and the analytical and problem-solving skills I developed have been just as valuable. Be curious, ask lots of questions, and do not be afraid to say ‘I don’t know’. People People respect honesty and a willingness to learn far more than someone who pretends to have all the answers – that is the best lesson I learnt from my PhD!
Finally, find a company whose values align with your own. The culture and the people you work with day-to-day make an enormous difference to how much you enjoy your work and grow in your career.
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