Starting as a reserved young woman on the HSBC graduate scheme 16 years ago, after reading Law at the London School of Economics, I have taken every opportunity to use my voice.

Having won the National graduate challenge in two consecutive years, I was personally awarded a secondment to Vancouver. I managed a portfolio of high net worth clients before moving into Financial Crime Compliance, and achieved a Distinction in the International Compliance Association Anti-Money Laundering Diploma. I led the UK Asset Management business through a successful visit from the US Regulators. This involved preparing senior executives and colleagues for their interviews and my own with the US Monitor.

When the rapidly growing Alternative Investments business moved into Asset Management, I managed both the AM role and the Alternatives Senior FCC role. I successfully gained the senior position, upon showing management that I was capable and wanted the added responsibility. I have volunteered with the charity ‘Making the Leap’, providing interview practice and advice for underprivileged school children which has been very fulfilling and was invited to a gala event for my contribution.

After a high risk pregnancy and traumatic birth, I required a surgical operation when I returned to work full time, and looked after my baby without external support as the UK went into national lockdown. From sharing this experience and my work on DE&I projects within HSBC such as the Asset Management Global Mentoring Scheme and Reciprocal Mentoring with a lens on ethnicity with the Chief Compliance Officer, I was honoured to win the Women in Investment Awards 2021, Most Inspiring Returner Award.