[ I N D E P T H ]
up to evaluate and create, that’ s where the value-add is.
“ That’ s where the big strategic decisions are, where the senior roles are, where the meaningful projects live. I know there’ s going to be displacement and disruption with AI, but I also think it’ s going to be a force for good in many different ways.”
Of course, AI presents many opportunities for all participants across the entire trading ecosystem, and becoming AIliterate is quickly becoming a vital skill for those looking to gain the most benefits from an industry where this technology is no longer an if, but an integral cog.
When questioned on the skills and traits that have mattered most over the course of her career, Carlyle highlights the importance of mindset, over individual capabilities.
“ What’ s mattered most in my trading career isn’ t a single skill, it’ s a mindset. Staying curious about markets, liquidity, and technology has kept me ahead as fixed income trading evolves. Emotional resilience is crucial: being comfortable with uncertainty, detaching from short-term noise, and learning from mistakes."
Building on the importance of not being afraid to adapt to and work with AI, she adds:“ Today, understanding how AI, automation, and new market structures reshape execution is essential. Translating complex data into actionable insight for portfolio managers, while staying disciplined and adaptable, defines success in the modern fixed income world. The best trades often come from listening, observing, and thinking several steps ahead.”
The importance of visibility Despite the HM Treasury Women in Finance Charter indicating that the financial services sector may be on its way to parity in terms of having women in senior leadership positions, there is still much to be done. Notably, according to new data from law firm Fox & Partners, women only represent 15.3 % of partners in hedge funds, private equity and other financial services in the UK.
Specifically, these numbers constitute 794 women in these roles, in comparison to 4,411 male partners.
As many who work across the industry will be
“ My message to young women is to trust your intellectual instincts, stay curious, and recognise that markets ultimately reward preparation, discipline, and clarity of thought."
GOZDE YILDIZ, FIXED INCOME TRADER, UBS ASSET MANAGEMENT
aware, conferences and events are an intrinsic part of the markets, bringing together experts and participants from all corners of the industry, to network and share insights.
Simmer, Carlyle and Yildiz are all frequent participants on panels at these conferences, discussing important industry topics and collaborating with peers to produce fruitful reflections.
For Simmer, the importance of being visible in the industry, whether through panel discussions, online engagement or elsewhere, cannot be underestimated:“ When you don’ t see something, when you can’ t imagine it, it’ s hard to envision yourself in those roles. Sometimes it’ s not even about having something important to say. Maybe the physical manifestation of me sitting there is enough to trigger someone to think –“ this is how it should be”.
“ Your brain is trained by visuals to define what success looks like, and historically that image hasn’ t always included someone like me. So showing up matters.”
54 // TheTRADE // Q1 2026