The TRADE 51 | Page 3

[ E D I T O R I A L ] THETRADE thetradenews.com  Managing Editor JONATHAN WATKINS T: + 44 (0) 20 7397 3815 [email protected] Online editor JOHN BAKIE [phone] [email protected] Editor, The TRADE Derivatives JOE PARSONS [phone] [email protected] Senior Reporter HAYLEY MCDOWELL [phone] [email protected] Contributors SARFRAZ THIND, JOEL CLARK, CHARLES GUBERT Advertising Directors MARC CAROLISSEN [phone] [email protected] Art Director OLIVIA ROSZKOWSKA [phone] [email protected] Publisher TONY WHITE T: [phone] [email protected] Strategic Insight Upper Ground Floor South 200 Aldersgate Street London, EC1A 4HD, UK ©Strategic Insight London 2017. Although Strategic Insight has made every effort to ensure the accuracy of this publication, neither it nor any contributor can accept any legal responsibility whatsoever for consequences that may arise from errors or omissions or any opinions or advice given. This publication is not a substitute for professional advice on a specific transaction. No reproduction allowed without prior permission. Peer pressure at its best T here is no greater achievement than earning recognition and appreciation from your peers. To know that others perform- ing the same role as you hold you in the highest regard is the ultimate compliment. Our newly-crowned Trader of the Year – Sascha Becker – fended off competition from 27 other nominees for the coveted award. In his interview for our cover feature (page 14), Becker admitted to us that the award does add some pressure. But this is a reputable and experienced trader we’re talking about, one who is well attuned to the pressure-cooker environment and he quickly added it would only spur him on. To all the buy-siders aiming for our top gong next year, heed Beck- er’s warning…the best is about to get better. We agree with Becker that peer pressure can be a good thing, and subsequently we’re looking to enlist the help of the buy-side commu- nity for a great cause. We don’t need statistics or research to amplify the lack of women in senior trading desk roles, anyone reading this will know it’s a male-dominated sector. This can be put down to culture and edu- cation, but as we highlight in this issue (page 22) there is a wealth of female talent breaking through. There will be even more if it’s encouraged throughout the industry. Before any male readers disregard this intro as non-applicable to them, it’s important to understand the benefits of a diverse work- force. Different thoughts and opinions come to the fore and challenge the conventional ways of doing things. It’s not a case of if women win, then men lose. While the slice of the pie might shrink, the over- all size of the pie will grow. Fortunately, there are plenty of initiatives taking place right now to urge change in the industry, proving that a bit of pressure is always a good thing. Jonathan Watkins Managing Editor The TRADE and Global Custodian Issue 51 TheTradeNews.com 3