S&P Global
Serena Nayak
14 October 2025
Serena Nayak, securities finance product specialist at S&P Global, speaks with Carmella Haswell about her unexpected journey into the industry, a passion for data and analytical problem solving, and the significance of community
Image: Serena Nayak
Can you tell me about your journey into the securities finance industry?
My journey into the securities finance industry was unexpected. I originally planned to pursue a career in sustainability, having studied International Development with Economics at Bath University and completed a placement year as a research analyst at WRAP, a sustainability NGO. In that role, I developed strong communication skills by conducting store visits, gathering data on over 2,000 food products and presenting actionable sustainability recommendations to major UK retailers such as Sainsbury鈥檚 and M&S to help reduce food wastage.
Seeing how data-driven insights could influence real-world decisions and being directly involved in delivering those insights, sparked my passion for analytical problem solving. After graduating, I wanted to build on my data analysis and communication skills; so I joined a Data Analytics Bootcamp where I developed a strong foundation in the fundamentals of SQL and enhanced my proficiency in Excel. Looking back on these experiences, I realised I was motivated by roles that combined technical problem solving with client engagement which naturally led me to apply for my current role as a product specialist in 糖心vlog Finance data at S&P.
As a young professional, what aspects of your role or the industry do you find most exciting?
Working at one of the largest data vendors, I have been given an opportunity of assisting a diverse range of clients across the securities finance value chain, including beneficial owners, agent lenders, prime brokers, and hedge funds. What excites me most about this role is the opportunity to delve into each client鈥檚 specific needs and understand their unique use case, allowing me to identify which aspects of the data can best support their goals.
I particularly enjoy assisting clients through overviews of our short interest data platform and creating tailored analytics so that clients can maximise the value of our data. Through these interactions, I not only deepen my understanding of the industry but also cultivate a broad network of connections.
Many companies offer various training and development opportunities for their employees. How has your company supported your growth?
S&P鈥檚 strong presence in the securities finance sector has provided me with many opportunities to connect with others in the industry, which in turn led me to join communities like Women in 糖心vlog Finance. Attending these events has inspired me and improved my confidence through listening to the success stories of women in the sector. Hearing their experiences of working in finance as a minority and embracing this as a strength rather than an obstacle, has shown me how they use their unique outlook as a tool to stand out and turn challenges into opportunities.
Additionally, on a more personal note, a significant part of my training and development has also been greatly shaped by my team. They consistently make the time to offer their support and expertise, creating an environment where we can get our work done but also enjoy the process of completing it. This is the type of atmosphere that I thrive in and has supported my growth as it has sparked my curiosity, unlocked new avenues of interest in the finance sector and encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone.
What misconceptions about working in the financial industry have you encountered, and how do you address these challenges?
It is a common misconception that the financial industry favours only extroverted and assertive personalities. These traits can be useful, especially in a client facing role, which I currently work in, where presenting or networking is heavily involved. However, I have also found that being successful in this role depends on actively listening to the clients and their needs, being analytical and reliable. Since much of client interaction happens through emails or online meetings 鈥� especially since Covid 鈥� it can be a lot harder to build a solid relationship with a client than via in-person. To ensure trust is established, and genuine relationships are formed, I focus on building trust by listening and understanding clients鈥� needs, responding promptly with solutions, communicating clearly and arranging appropriate follow ups so that clients feel supported.
What advice do you have for other young professionals aspiring to pursue a career in your industry?
I would advise young professionals to seek out an experienced mentor. This could be someone from your current workplace, a connection within your personal network or a member of a finance-related community. By having regular meetings with my mentor, I have found that discussing and learning from their past experiences is one of the best ways to understand the industry and the variety of roles it offers since reading a job description only tells you so much.
A good mentor allows you to speak openly about your interests and preferences, provides valuable guidance, and helps to connect you with the right people and opportunities. This support can help you understand the various work environments and cultures that suit you best, ultimately guiding you towards a career that is right for you.
Looking ahead, where do you see yourself in the next five years in terms of your career goals and aspirations?
In the next five years, I envision myself in an account management role at S&P Global, where I can leverage my current experience to drive impactful client relationships. In my current role, I have gained valuable exposure in this space, by working closely with a broad range of clients in different roles along the securities finance value chain to utilise our data effectively.
At S&P Global, there is an opportunity to explore other roles within the securities finance sector as it is a company which fosters a culture of collaboration across its numerous teams like account management. This interconnectedness would help me to leverage my current skillset and capitalise on my strengths.
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