Olivia Russell, vice president of sales at GLMX, speaks with Carmella Haswell about the importance of networking, the growth of GLMX from a small company to a global force, and supporting the next generation
Image: Olivia Russell
Can you tell me about your journey into the securities finance industry?
While studying finance in college, I was particularly interested in a capital markets class. This led me to an internship at a voice broker 鈥� which was my first look into a trading floor 鈥� and, eventually, a full time role on the money market desk. There I learned about the nature of the securities finance market, how traders and sales people interact, and the opportunities available in the market. I was introduced to GLMX and enjoyed learning about electronification of the market. It has been fun and fulfilling to see GLMX and the electronic repo market in general grow so much.
As a young professional, what aspects of your role or the industry do you find most exciting?
I find the access to the entire securities finance market one of the most exciting things about my current role. Working in sales, I interact directly with clients. Working on a trading platform gives me the opportunity to speak with firms on both the buy and sell side across multiple products. I have found it easier to understand the challenges of the market and how to solve them by being able to look at the repo market from different perspectives, understanding our clients needs, and how an enhancement for one client can build up the market as a whole.
Many companies offer various training and development opportunities for their employees. How has your company supported your growth?
I have been fortunate to see GLMX grow from a small company to a global force in the securities finance market. When I first started at GLMX over six years ago, it was important to understand all aspects of the business, as we were a small but growing firm. I learned how the various teams within the company worked together, and the operating processes of different groups like integration, client support, and even legal. Having this base of knowledge has helped me further understand the sales process and made me a more well rounded team member. Having the opportunity to travel overseas has also helped me grow my network in various markets and interact with our teams around the globe.
What misconceptions about working in the financial industry have you encountered, and how do you address these challenges?
One of the most common misconceptions about the financial industry is that it is a male-dominated space and is difficult to break into. I have found the securities finance market to be anything but this. I have been fortunate to meet a lot of women in executive positions who are going out of their way to offer career advice and are welcoming of newcomers of all types. The best way to address this challenge is to look to the next generation entering the market and be a resource for advice and opportunity.
What advice do you have for other young professionals aspiring to pursue a career in your industry?
My biggest advice is to network and use your network. Especially in a sales role, your network is your biggest asset and will help you grow in your role and your career. It is important to not limit yourself as you advance in your career. Speak with anyone you can across different firms, products, and roles. Your knowledge base grows with your network. Do not be afraid to ask questions and dive into topics that you are unfamiliar with.
Looking ahead, where do you see yourself in the next five years in terms of your career goals and aspirations?
I look forward to growing my knowledge base in the securities finance market and expanding my cross product expertise. As the market evolves and the need for technology increases, I hope to continue to drive growth across the securities finance space and expand my network.
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Image: Olivia Russell 