Karan Valia’s main focus is on managing his high-performing team and driving process improvements at Northern Trust Pune. Karan leads the Cash Management Center of Excellence for the Private Equity and Real Estate domain within Northern Trust and is responsible for managing our end-to-end payment operations. In his opinion if you’re someone who values ethical leadership, global exposure, and continuous learning, Northern Trust is the right place for you.

Describe your role at Northern Trust

As a 2nd Vice President at Northern Trust within the Alternative Fund Services division, I lead the Cash Management Center of Excellence (CoE) for the Private Equity and Real Estate domain across Ireland, Luxembourg, Guernsey, North America, and Singapore.

I’m based in Pune, India and responsible for managing end-to-end payment operations, driving process improvement initiatives, and delivering robust stakeholder outcomes. My focus includes managing a high-performing team, performance reviews, and process enhancements.

Describe your team

My team is comprised of passionate and committed professionals who handle global payment processing for complex fund structures. We embrace a collaborative approach where every member is encouraged to contribute to process improvements and client satisfaction. I believe the diverse mix of skills and perspectives helps us innovate and maintain our operational excellence.

What brought you to Northern Trust? Briefly describe your career path.

With over 14 years of experience in financial services, my journey has spanned investor services, change management, and now fund operations.

What drew me to Northern Trust was its reputation for client integrity, long-term vision, and employee empowerment. I joined the firm in 2017, initially leading the Change Management Team for Hedge Fund Services, where I handled migrations and digital transformations.

In 2023, I transitioned to my current role to build and lead the Payments CoE, driving global process standardization and automation.

What do you like best about working at Northern Trust?

What I value most is the trust Northern Trust places in its employees. There’s a genuine culture of empowerment and support — whether it’s for taking ownership of new projects, learning emerging technologies, or building leadership capabilities.

The transparent and ethical environment creates a strong sense of purpose in everything we do.

What technology/technologies have you been excited to work with here at Northern Trust?

I’ve particularly enjoyed utilizing tools like Power BI for dynamic key performance indicator (KPI) tracking, and SharePoint workflows to automate manual processes. These technologies have allowed us to streamline decision-making, reduce operational overhead, and enhance data visibility — directly impacting service level agreements with regards to performance and client experience.

How do you keep your skills fresh?

I actively pursue continuous learning opportunities through certifications, such as the Professional Scrum Product Owner, and I’m currently pursuing an MBA in FinTech from Birla Institute of Technology And Science, Pilani (BITS Pilani).

Northern Trust has always supported my growth through internal learning platforms, leadership programs, and the freedom to work across multiple domains and geographies. Regular project rotations and stakeholder interactions also help refine my business acumen and agility.

What’s unique about Northern Trust’s culture that enables you to create, innovate, make an impact or lead effectively?

The firm’s culture strikes a balance between structure and creativity. Leaders are encouraged to experiment, lead from the front, and challenge the status quo. There’s a strong emphasis on inclusivity, ethical behavior, and a long-term approach to growth — which creates a safe space to take risks, innovate, and lead transformational change.

How do you create a balance between work and home?

I believe in creating smart boundaries and embracing flexibility. Prioritizing tasks, delegating effectively, and setting realistic expectations go a long way.

Northern Trust’s support for work-life integration and mental wellness helps me stay balanced, motivated, and present both professionally and personally.

What would you say to someone considering a career at Northern Trust?

If you’re someone who values ethical leadership, global exposure, and continuous learning, Northern Trust is the right place. It’s not just a job — it’s a long-term career where your ideas are heard, and your work makes a visible difference.

Do you have any other career tips you would give to candidates interested in working for Northern Trust?

Be curious and open to learning. Build strong interpersonal relationships — they matter just as much as technical skills. Be adaptable, and don’t shy away from challenges; they are often your biggest opportunities to grow.

Fast Facts

Hometown / Where are you living now: Mumbai-born, currently living in Pune, India
Do you have a pet? Not currently, but I’m a huge dog lover!
Where do you volunteer your time? I regularly visit an NGO and teach under privileged kids
What are you reading / podcast recommendation? I’m currently reading “The Psychology of Money” by Morgan Housel — a must-read for anyone in finance or life!
Comfort food: Asian Cuisine - simple, comforting, and perfect after a long day
Best advice you’ve received: “Don’t just work hard — work smart and stay relevant.” This has guided me to constantly evolve, learn, and lead with intention

Careers at Northern Trust

Come find your greater at Northern Trust. Review our open roles here.