My journey into treasury happened by chance! J.P. Morgan Chase transferred me to the U.K. from India in 2008 under the Corporate Development Programme. The programme offered me three rotations before deciding on a final placement. I got a treasury supervisory role in my 2nd placement and have been in treasury ever since. Over the next few years (with J.P. Morgan), I moved to a sales role that provided treasury solutions to U.S headquartered clients. In 2014, I moved to HSBC and have been lucky enough to cover various sales roles within global liquidity & cash management, Europe. Presently I have a liquidity sales & risk focussed role based in Jersey, Channel Islands with responsibilities for bank liabilities within the Channel Islands & Isle of Man. My role requires interactions with a wide subset of clients – from large established global banking clients (corporate & NBFI) to upcoming middle-market clients.
There have been a few but the two that I can think of the most are a) passing the Diploma in Treasury Management (AMCT) – it was a labour of love and I was thrilled when I cleared b) being selected for the important and diverse liquidity role in the Channel Islands. The bank was in the process of separating into Ring Fenced & Non-Ring Fenced Bank and I was glad I could play a part in its creation.
Taking up ACT qualifications broadens your perspective and provides a strong fundamental grasp of the required treasury concepts. It will also provide a high-level appreciation of the inter-relationship between treasury, finance & commercial operations.
The Advanced Diploma is a qualification at a senior/strategic level in treasury management and equips students with a holistic view of the commercial and financial challenges facing a business at a strategic level. It is important that bankers are cognizant of these challenges and are equipped to be partners with corporate treasurers as they look to formulate relevant and practical solutions. In addition, I think the course will provide opportunities to build a strong network which will in turn benefit long-term client relationships.
I have been a member of the ACT for the past eight years. It has been invaluable on many fronts, both in terms of providing me with a deeper knowledge/understanding of treasury and also in providing me with excellent networking opportunities.
An example of this is when the Channel Islands Treasurers Association (CITA) was formed. Due to my connections with the ACT I could quickly connect the two associations together.
Additionally, being a member of the ACT has been invaluable in my meetings with corporate treasurers – they now view me as someone who has a full understanding of the profession and their requirements.
I believe disruption is a key challenge, this involves and includes Big Data, AI and Fintech and it’s only apt that the ACT covers this off in the Annual Conference. Besides this, we have cybersecurity, Brexit risk and the global economic slow-down.
Many years ago, my mentor suggested that I attempt the CertICM – which was career altering. Besides this, he used to take me on calls (as an apprentice) and always said “Observation is critical and builds character”.
“Principles for Navigating Big Debt Crises” by Ray Dalio.
1. Corbiere 2. Gorey Castle 3. Jersey Cliff path – Devil’s Hole
Congratulations on 40 years of successful developing and influencing the treasury profession. Over the last four decades, the ACT has provided invaluable guidance to the treasury profession creating strong economies. Thank you for all you’ve done and the continued support. Happy Birthday!