It is about bridging the gap between the front office and technologists.
Themes of the Fixed Income Leaders Summit in Nashville included technology’s impact on market structure; the importance of data; the potential of fixed income execution management systems (EMSs); and the buy vs. build debate. ‘Rising stars’ in the industry were asked, given that backdrop, what skill sets are required now, and will be required in the future? One point of emphasis was bridging the gap between traders in the front office and the technologists who support them.
Jack Barry, electronic fixed income sales at Citadel Securities, described it as: “being able to speak both languages,” which entails “taking the needs from the front office, understanding those, and then translating into technical terms for the coders who can make those dreams into reality.”
Liliang (Daniel) Cheng, risk manager and financial modeler, at AIG, said market professionals need to analyze, interpret, and visualize data that underly market patterns, and convey those ideas. It will also be necessary to have a strong skill in artificial intelligence and machine learning, as well as ‘softer’ skills of critical thinking and asking questions.
Alexcia Mazahreh, senior fixed income trader at Vanguard, said a macroeconomic perspective is a fundamental requirement. The finance industry competes for talent with big tech companies such as Amazon and Meta. Cheng said in addition to compensation, advancement opportunities and work-life balance are critical in attracting talent. Mazahreh said finance has inherent advantages. “Our industry is super interesting and it has super interesting jobs.” To succeed in the future, Cheng said people need adaptability. “What is required is to learn so you can move fast with technology,” he said. Then you can really shine in this business.”
For college student considering a finance career, Barry said a computer science major with a strong understanding of the macro environment is an ideal profile, as is having “the ability to think like a coder shouldn’t be a determinant factor,” Mazahreh said. “If you’re intellectually curious and driven you can learn anything.”
©Markets Media Europe 2023
