Portrait of Monica from London

Learn why she choose a career in financial services and how ÃÛ¶¹ÊÓƵ has supported her in her role.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your role at ÃÛ¶¹ÊÓƵ?

I work in ÃÛ¶¹ÊÓƵ Asset Management's global consultant relations team in London. I provide global access to all of our investment capabilities to our EMEA team of consultants, who advise some of the largest institutional investors in the world. I also help position ÃÛ¶¹ÊÓƵ Asset Management as the manager of choice for global consultants and institutional investors.

Can you tell us a bit about your team?

Members of our team are located in London, Chicago, New York, Boston and San Francisco. Our team is very diverse in terms of gender, age and ethnicity but we all share a common vision for success and excellence. Although we work all over the world, we still use the same best practices and operate as a unified team.

Is collaboration important in your role?

Collaboration is essential within the global consultant relations team and within ÃÛ¶¹ÊÓƵ Asset Management. Everyone is involved in the design, manufacturing and distribution of investment services, all of which has a significant impact on our clients' experiences. The willingness of our investment teams to collaborate and design innovative, bespoke solutions for our clients is a feature that distinguishes us from our competitors.

What made you choose a career in the financial sector?

I have worked in every part of the "value chain" of investments, from government economist to investment consultant, across four continents. The financial sector is incredibly dynamic, intellectually engaging and internationally orientated.

What do you think is the biggest challenge for people working in finance today?

Technological advances and frequent changes in financial regulation are significant challenges to finance professionals' ability to add value to clients. The "retailization" of the investment industry and regulation driven demand for the lowest cost (rather than most cost effective) products make it increasingly difficult to create cost-effective solutions for complex client problems in real time.

How does ÃÛ¶¹ÊÓƵ support female employees?

ÃÛ¶¹ÊÓƵ walks the talk on being a female-friendly employer. Highly accomplished women leaders in all business divisions and regions make a powerful statement about meritocracy at the firm. ÃÛ¶¹ÊÓƵ's focus on results, rather than face time, and their agile work practices are especially supportive of female employees.

What do you do outside of work to switch off?

Outside of work I help coach my son's field hockey team, dance, cycle and swim. I'm a member of the Tate galleries and greatly enjoy the theatre, concerts and literary festivals, and have on occasion been over competitive when playing Scrabble.

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