Diversity in Trading
Name – Lisa Sherchan
Role - Equity Trader within the Northern Trust Capital Markets Brokerage Services team
Office – Northern Trust London
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Describe your current role at Northern Trust.
I currently work for the Northern Trust Capital Markets Brokerage Services as an Equity Trader. My day to day role involves trading Stocks, ETFs, and Investment Trusts across EMEA through various interactions with Sales Trading and Brokers in order to give the best execution to our clients.
Tell us about your background and your journey into finance
My background and also my journey into finance has been quite unique. I was raised by my Nepali immigrant parents who moved to the UK due to my dad serving in the Gurkhas, a unit in the British Army. My childhood was filled with juggling Nepali and British culture as well as understanding the difference in social normalities that came with living in an army barracks in Kent versus the “outside”.
My real exposure to the financial industry began when I was studying Computer Science and Mathematics at the University of Bath, in which I chose to undertake a placement year and landed a Technology Analyst internship at Citigroup. Since then, having enjoyed the fast paced nature of the industry, I have carried out roles in Equities Technology at JP Morgan and Goldman Sachs. During the summer of 2022, I was offered an opportunity to make the move to a trading role at Northern Trust and now here I am!
What challenges did you have to overcome to work on a trading desk
Imposter syndrome has always been a recurring theme in terms of challenges as well as steep learning curves. Personally, it has been very prevalent in each role I have carried out and not specific to working on the trading desk. The industry is and has always been male dominated, it is easy to fall into the hole of questioning your seat at the table. With knowledge and guidance, I have been able to overcome the initial doubts and it has been key to building confidence. Having these experiences, it has highlighted how important representation is to encourage those who aspire to have a career in the industry to have faith in themselves and to go for opportunities that will help achieve their goals.
How has your background and your education shaped your approach to trading
On a personal front, having the experience of juggling different cultures and social normalities has led me to become adaptable to new and different environments. Also being brought up by immigrant parents, it has taught me grit and resiliency when facing challenges in any space. On a professional level, the fact that I was able to experience the back end of what makes a trading system and also how algorithms function means I have some expertise and understanding the trade flow and algorithmic logic prior to having trading experience. This meant I could help the team also with nuances that I have experienced from previous roles and also has allowed me to focus more instead on developing market intelligence and learning more about macroeconomics.
How can diversity help teams perform?
Diversity in teams helps performance and also company culture. Firstly, it allows various perspectives to be considered due to differences in expertise, background and mindset. This allows a team to give the best solution to clients as there is more chance of exploring new ideas that may not have thought about previously. And additionally, it creates a culture in which the future generations will be encouraged to want to join. Diversity in company also emphasises on the importance of equal opportunity for those who may not have the network to be able to pursue certain careers, and by having a diverse network you are ensuring you have the best of the best. Personally, I find it motivating to be a part of this shift in the industry.
What advice would you give to someone considering a role in finance or trading?
Be prepared to learn as much as you can and ensure you are committed to putting in the work. There are many experienced individuals in the industry who are willing to mentor and guide you, but you ultimately have to put the effort in to learn and develop in the field.
Say yes to challenges and go for the opportunities. Whether your experience is good or bad, you will always come out learning something new from it.
What are you most proud of in your career at Northern Trust so far?
Having the courage to do the TraderTV interview. It was something I had never done before and was nervous to be in front of the camera but it came across better than I expected. I am happy with the outcome and that I was given the opportunity by Glenn Poulter.
Tell us about the career growth and development opportunities at Northern Trust
I have had a positive experience so far with being able to have open discussions with finding opportunities to learn more and develop. Last year, I had the opportunity to apply and was selected for the Women’s Diverse Leadership Programme which focussed on topics such as identity, authenticity, and navigating in the workplace to name a few. It helped reduce the pressure I put on myself and gave me an insight into what I want to focus on next.
Fast Facts
Hometown / where are you living now:
Maidstone, Kent is my Hometown. Currently living in Fulham, London.
Do you have a pet(s)?
A cocker spaniel called Leo, he is 10 years old but still has puppy energy!
What are you reading / Podcast recommendation:
I just finished a book called Scary Smart by Mo Gawdat. It was thought provoking and was discussing the implications of having AI in society and how collectively we should try to encourage positive behaviours, as the AI will learn and follow. Similar to teaching and nurturing a child.
What are you watching right now on TV?
I usually like ones that easy to watch for example most recently finished the latest season of Bling Dubai. Most interesting one which has been hot topic this month is Mr Bates vs The Post Office on ITV.
Best advice you’ve received (work or non-work related) :
Not an original quote from my Dad but one he sticks by – train hard, fight easy.
Careers at Northern Trust
Come find your greater at Northern Trust. Review our open roles here.