Member story: Niriniaina Ramanantoanarison, Responsable Trésorerie, AccèsBanque Madagascar

1. Please briefly describe your current role

Currently, I hold the position of Head of Treasury in a bank focused on entrepreneurs (micro and SME). I am in charge of the institution’s liquidity management, the trading and the financial risk.

2. You received an ACT Bursary to complete the Certificate in Treasury Fundamentals. Why did you want to take this qualification?

Opportunity to learn treasury in Madagascar, especially in my field, is quasi inexistent. I did not receive any form of training; I developed my department according to personal research and recommendation from the Management, the Central Bank and peers. I really wanted to grow, to expand my vision and my knowledge and the CertTF has helped me to do so. I also believe that having an international qualification will differentiate me from my peers.

3. How has the qualification helped you in your role?

CertTF helped me to understand some basics of treasury, things that I was not aware of. Before taking it, notions like swap, futures, forward and notional pooling were foreign to me.

4. What advice would you give to anyone taking an ACT qualification?

Sometimes, when things get tougher in balancing work, life and studies, do not look back. It is so worth it on a professional and personal level.

5. What do you think are the most important skills/strengths you need to be successful?

Proactivity and a certain sense of responsibility are must have skills that helped me to succeed in what I do. Also, being a problem-solver is a key skill to have because of the fast paced job. And I think, being good at building relationship helps a lot too because many things you do require cooperating with others.

6. What has been the most enjoyable project/role you have undertaken so far in your career?

I had the opportunity to build our trading desk from scratch. As I did that before the CertTF training, it was quite a challenge and an adventure to the great unknown for me. I am so thankful to internet, my new best friend!, as well as the support from my management, my peers and the regulator; all of these helped me to overcome the various challenges so I could put in place our trading desk and launch our first deal successfully.

7. What three words would you use to describe yourself?

Curious. Honest. Stubborn.

8. What is the best piece of advice you have been given?

The world is big so do not stay in your comfort zone because it is limiting you.

9. Who is your career hero?

My former CEO, Adrian CHINDRIS, is my career hero. His Santa Claus look makes him likeable at first sight but it’s mainly his leadership style that I admire the most. A very approachable person, he is very good in developing individuals by believing in you, encouraging you and helping you grow as a professional. He inspires me to see things differently and he is the one that convinced me to keep learning.

10. What three places would you recommend to someone coming to visit Madagascar?

Madagascar has a variety of natural beauty and ecological diversity. So, it depends on what you like but all are beautiful.