Buy-side Perspectives Issue 14 Special edition | Page 41

What do you see as one of the
biggest challenges for the fixed
income trader going forward?
We’ve been through an
unprecedented period of low
volatility, but with the end looming
for Q.E, markets are going to be
extremely challenging over the next
few years. As we speak, cracks are
starting to appear as we reach the
business end of Brexit, geopolitical
issues are coming to the fore once
again, credit is under pressure as
a must if you’re going to survive - the manner. I always come away from
an ATF meeting feeling like I’ve
ability to laugh and calm a situation
got a better handle on the topics
is vital.
discussed.
Next
is
client
We’re now in a position where banks have
centricity. We
reduced balance sheets, a lot of experience
work for the client
has left the market on the sell side, trading has
What do you like to do when you’re
and that should
become increasingly electronified, so if markets
not trading?
be at the heart of
do turn then liquidity could be a real challenge.
everything we do.
In short, if it gets choppy, buy-side fixed income
When I’m not at the desk or at home
Finally, it’s
dealers will need to be able to exercise their
being marshalled around by my
integrity. This
young daughter, I like to box and I
is
still
a
people
more traditional style execution skills
like to cook. Ironically, I’ve always
business and all
found boxing to be quite calming!
you have is your
I think you can learn a lot about
reputation - treat people well, act
focus comes back to fundamentals...I
yourself when you get into the ring.
respectfully and be true to your
could go on. We’re now in a position
Whether you’re on top and in control,
word.
where banks have reduced balance
or stuck on the ropes. It’s a lot
sheets, a lot of experience has
like trading, you have to stay alert,
left the market on the sell side,
understand your options and keep
What do you like about the Alpha
trading has become increasingly
a clear head. Cooking, on the other
Trader Forum meetings you have
electronified, so if markets do
attended?
turn then liquidity could be a real
challenge. In short, if it gets choppy,
The Alpha Trader Forum’s provide a great
I don’t have much time to
buy-side fixed income dealers will
format that drills down on topics that are
get off the desk so when
need to be able to exercise their
I do, I need to make sure
more traditional style execution
current and important to the buy side
the time is spent focusing
skills.
community. I always come away from an ATF
on the issues that really
meeting feeling like I’ve got a better handle
matter. The Alpha Trader
on the topics discussed.
Forum’s provide a great
What specific qualities do you look
format that drills down on
for in a buy-side trader?
topics that are current and important hand, allows me to express my more
creative side – as much as I enjoy the
to the buy side community. The
Attention to detail is important, we
cut and thrust of the fixed income
work in a pressured environment and forum brings together industry
world, rolling my sleeves up and
leaders and provides an open format
it’s easy to miss something if you’re
getting inventive in the kitchen is a
where ideas and concerns can
not focused on the detail.
great release!
be aired openly in a constructive
On the flip side, a sense of humour is
Global Summit 2019
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41