Emily Meyer is a senior relationship manager (Wealth Client Group, Strategic Accounts) within Asset Management. A key part of her role is understanding how our clients think: their market outlook, the solutions they are seeking, and how Northern Trust can best support their evolving needs. Emily takes great pride in being part of an organization with an impeccable reputation that holds itself to the highest fiduciary standards without compromise.

 

Describe your role at Northern Trust.

I work with banks, trust companies and other key intermediary firms across the United States, representing Northern Trust Asset Management’s (NTAM) investment capabilities.

My role involves positioning our solutions with key external partners, identifying mutual opportunities for growth, and managing long-term client relationships.

At the firms I cover, I typically work with 3rd party manager research teams, Chief Investment Officers, product managers and operational due diligence teams.

 

Describe your team

The Strategic Accounts team reflects a wide range of backgrounds and geographically, we are in four States in the US - two in Illinois, one in New York, one in Michigan and one in Rhode Island. This range of perspectives allows us to approach challenges from multiple angles, better understand the needs of our clients across regions, and bring fresh thinking to our partnerships.

We also work with different types of clients. Some team members cover large broker-dealers, aka “wirehouse” firms, while others cover platforms such as large RIA custodians, “TAMPS” (Turnkey-Asset-Management-Providers), and Registered Investment Advisor RIA aggregators.

 

Take us through how you ended up at Northern?

I found myself at a turning point in my career when the firm I was with began winding down its assets through bankruptcy. It had been a tumultuous two years, and while I wasn’t entirely sure what I wanted next, I knew stability would be a key priority.

So, when a recruiter reached out about an opportunity at NTAM to cover bank and trust company relationships nationwide, I was genuinely excited – even though I wasn’t actively looking for a role at the time. Given my prior experience working with similar clients and Northern’s strong reputation in this space, it felt like a natural and compelling fit. 

 

What are you most proud of in your career at Northern Trust so far?

I am most proud of my ability to collaborate across Northern Trust’s many business lines – whether within Asset Management or alongside our Asset Servicing teams. I have embraced a “One Northern” approach since first joining in 2016.

 

 

What does a typical "day-in-the-life" at Northern Trust look like for you?

Every client or prospect is unique, and that brings a wide range of opportunities and challenges.  I spend my time engaging with clients on everything from investment product questions and market insights to identifying new business opportunities. A key part of my role is understanding how our clients think: their market outlook, the solutions they are seeking, and how we can best support their evolving needs. 

Depending on the day, I may be handling due diligence questionnaires, working with legal on contracts and agreements, negotiating with external firms on pricing, working with our portfolio analytics teams on client model reviews, researching clients/prospects, or diving deeper in to various types of analyses.

Collaborating with internal partners is also a key part of my role. I work closely with senior leadership to develop growth strategies for new partnerships and to think creatively about how we can leverage a client’s full relationship with Northern Trust. This is particularly important when working with large banks, as they often have multiple relationships with Northern Trust across various business lines – including Capital Markets, Asset Servicing, Lending, and more.

And finally, I may be traveling. Part of my job requires a fair amount of travel, the majority of which is to meet with clients and attend conferences. In a typical year, I will attend 2 – 3 national conferences and 3 – 4 regional conferences. I also visit our headquarters in Chicago at least 4 times per year, but likely closer to 6 times. Our offices in NYC are also a more frequent visit for me these days as our presence in Asset Management has grown there.

 

When did you realize that Northern Trust was a good fit for your career?

I was particularly drawn to Northern Trust because I thrive on the intellectual challenge of understanding the complete ecosystem of a large, multifaceted organization. This type of complexity piques my intellectual curiosity and keeps my work engaging and dynamic.

Additionally, I was attracted to the unique combination that NTAM’s Wealth Client Group offers: working within a team that maintains an entrepreneurial spirit while benefiting from the resources and stability of an established institution.

 

What do you like best about working at Northern Trust?

I take pride in being part of an organization with an impeccable reputation that holds itself to the highest fiduciary standards without compromise. This commitment to excellence is something that many institutions in our industry have long recognized and respected about Northern Trust.

 

How has Northern Trust supported your career objectives / development?

The organization has consistently provided me with meaningful opportunities to take on leadership roles across various projects and initiatives, demonstrating their commitment to developing talent. 

This empowerment extends beyond simple task delegation – Northern Trust actively encourages partners to step into positions of responsibility, make strategic decisions, and drive meaningful outcomes.

 

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

Access. Unlike many large financial institutions with rigid hierarchical structures, Northern Trust fosters an environment where partners at all levels have genuine access to senior executives and decision-makers. This open-door approach creates meaningful opportunities for dialogue and direct engagement on strategic opportunities.

 

What part of Northern Trust’s culture differentiates it from other companies?

In addition to what I mentioned above, the people are friendly and helpful. It is a very warm-inviting culture.

 

What has surprised you most about life at Northern Trust so far?

That there are so many partners here that have been with the firm for 20+ years. In addition, I have seen several partners leave to go to other firms, only to come back to Northern a year or so later. I think that says something about the fabric of this organization.

 

What would you say to someone considering a career at Northern Trust? Or general tips for career success?

Northern Trust is a great organization to learn how large financial institutions operate. You have access to learn about many of the various opportunities in financial services, all within one organization.

 

What advice would you give to new joiners beginning their careers at Northern Trust?

Learn the full business. Understand what our various services and capabilities are across all business units, read the 10k report, listen to investor calls, join the employee-led Business Resource Councils, make connections outside of just your business unit, be intellectually curious, and don’t be afraid to learn new things. The internet can teach you anything!

 

Fast Facts

Name: Emily Meyer

Role: Senior Relationship Manager, Wealth Client Group, Strategic Accounts

Business Unit: Asset Management

Geographic Location: United States – work remotely out of East Greenwich, RI

Career Level: Senior Vice President

Education: Master’s Degree (MBA)

Hometown / where are you living now?  Greensboro, NC / East Greenwich, RI

Do you have a pets? – yes, Lilly, a labradoodle

Where do you volunteer your time? Women in ETFs (“WE”) – a networking organization for people in the ETF ecosystem.  I have seen many of WE’s emerging leaders' step into bigger roles and receive promotions at their firms, thanks in large part to the strong network they’ve built through Women in ETFs.

What are you reading / podcast recommendation – The Economist – I’ve learned more from The Economist than any other publication. Its wide-ranging coverage – from arts and culture to emerging technologies and global finance – not only shapes how I think but also comes in surprisingly handy during trivia night.

Favorite sports team - I am a huge Duke Basketball fan!

Comfort food - Grits!

Best advice you've received – Great leadership means hiring people smarter than you and empowering them to do their best work.

Describe Northern Trust in one word - Integrity

 

Careers at Northern Trust

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