Can you tell me about your journey into the securities finance industry?
My journey into the securities finance industry began during my master鈥檚 degree in finance and insurance, where I concentrated on areas such as risk modelling, project financing, and financial data analysis. Thanks to my academic background, I developed a strong interest in the role of post-trade services in safeguarding market stability, an area often overlooked, yet vital.
I joined Euronext Clearing at a pivotal moment, during the migration of cash equity clearing activities to a new, unified platform. Being part of this strategic transformation from day one enabled me to actively contribute to high-impact initiatives and gain a comprehensive understanding of the operational, regulatory, and client-facing dimensions of securities finance.
As a young professional, what aspects of your role or the industry do you find most exciting?
The constant evolution of financial infrastructure is what excites me the most. At Euronext Clearing, I support the rollout of major initiatives such as the expansion of repo and collateral management services, and the introduction of new products including mini futures on European government bonds.
Being in the client readiness team allows me to interact directly with market participants, helping them to navigate change and adopt new solutions. Each project brings unique challenges, requiring both attention to detail and a broader market vision, this balance keeps my work days dynamic and rewarding.
Many companies offer various training and development opportunities for their employees. How has your company supported your growth?
From the beginning, I have had access to a wide range of training programmes, internal knowledge platforms, and constant mentorship from experienced colleagues. However, the most impactful growth has come from hands-on involvement in cross-market and cross-functional initiatives.
Working directly on complex projects has allowed me to deepen both my technical expertise and strategic thinking. What truly sets Euronext apart is its collaborative and empowering culture, which encourages initiative, nurtures professional confidence, and empowers individuals to contribute meaningfully from the start.
What misconceptions about working in the financial industry have you encountered, and how do you address these challenges?
One misconception I often come across is the belief that financial market infrastructures, particularly post-trade services, are merely operational and secondary to the industry's core functions. In reality, clearing and settlement play a pivotal role in safeguarding market integrity, enabling innovation, and driving cross-market harmonisation.
Through my experience, I have seen how post-trade capabilities can directly shape the success of new products, the scalability of services, and even participants鈥� market strategies. I address this challenge by acting as a link between business needs and operational execution, ensuring that our role is understood not just as supportive, but as enabling and transformative.
What advice do you have for other young professionals aspiring to pursue a career in your industry?
My advice to young professionals is to stay curious, proactive, and open to continuous learning. Gaining a solid understanding of the infrastructure behind financial markets takes time and perseverance, but the learning journey is rewarding. Cultivate both technical and interpersonal skills, especially communication, teamwork, and adaptability.
Do not hesitate to step outside your comfort zone or ask questions; some of the most meaningful growth happens when we challenge ourselves in new environments. Above all, approach every opportunity with humility and a desire to contribute. This industry evolves quickly, and remaining open-minded, engaged, and eager to learn could allow you to grow along with it.
Looking ahead, where do you see yourself in the next five years in terms of your career goals and aspirations?
Over the next five years, I aim to grow into a role where I can take on greater responsibility in shaping client-facing initiatives and supporting the successful delivery of projects. I am particularly motivated by the opportunity to contribute to the continued integration and resilience of Europe鈥檚 financial markets, especially as clearing and settlement services become increasingly data-driven and interconnected.
I also hope to contribute to the growth of others by sharing my experience and helping to foster a culture of collaboration, openness, and continuous learning. Regardless of the path my career takes, I want to make sure that our work continues to create real value for market participants and strengthens the trust they place in our infrastructure every day.
Costantino Faraone Bio
Costantino Faraone was born in Rome in 1997. Costantino joined Euronext Clearing in April 2023 as an intern. He is currently part of the client readiness team at Euronext Clearing where he supports onboarding, testing, and go-live activities for clients across Europe. His role bridges operational readiness and strategic communication, ensuring smooth adoption of new services and products.
He holds a master鈥檚 degree in finance and insurance with a specialisation in financial risk and data analysis. With a strong interest in market infrastructure and financial innovation, he combines technical skills with a client-first mindset.
Outside of work, he enjoys motorsports and trekking.
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Image: Costantino Faraone 