THETRADETECHFX DAILY from the floor
Damilola Otakoya , multi-asset investment dealer , Aegon Asset Management
A diverse range of skills will be required to navigate and thrive in tomorrow ’ s data and tech driven environment . Skills which we value today to analyse , interpret , and utilise data , technologies in order to provide best execution and solutions for our clients will remain very important . Skills which make use of machine learning and coding on platforms such as python will be indispensable . I feel most importantly that the soft skills which we place in high regard today such as communication , problems solving , attention to detail and relationship building which allow us to collaborate effectively with internal and external aspects of our business , share ideas and ultimately allow us to better service our clients and provide best execution will continue to be of paramount importance . The pandemic forced many of us to place greater emphasis on business continuity , infrastructure and investing in more robust technologies to optimise workflow and enhance productivity . Adaptability and flexibility are key to future proofing desks in this quickly evolving environment with greater focus now more than ever placed on automation , regulatory conduct and culture and I believe that those that stand still run the risk of being left behind . Diversity is also key to future proofing and attracting new talent . As part of a diverse team myself with colleagues from different backgrounds and cultures and with a broad range of ideas , I fully appreciate the way this allows us to evolve organically within a modern and collaborative working and trading environment while this diversity of thought and expertise will allow us to meet future challenges in many ways . Advertising on diverse platforms and networks , using inclusive language on job descriptions , having a diverse panel and taking part in many initiatives out there that cater for diverse talent is important . Student outreach is also very important starting early in schools and colleges to speak about the range of career paths on offer and encourage young students to consider a future career in the industry - something Aegon AM has been heavily involved in . Emphasis should also be placed not only on attracting diverse talent but promoting an inclusive / diverse
culture and environment which works to retain , nurture and promote diverse talent . I think it would have been difficult to predict the last five years without a crystal ball . We have had a pandemic , lockdowns , war in Eastern Europe , inflation , rising interest rates , real risk of recession and the rise of crypto . In the future I think we will continue to embrace technology and go down the path of further automation and electronification . Better machine learning and algos across the full FX product range including NDFs . Better gathering and utilising quality data . Better pre trade analytics and post-trade TCA . All of these factors combined will work to ultimately reduce human error , increase oversight and achieve best execution for our clients .
“ Emphasis should also be placed not only on attracting diverse talent but promoting an inclusive / diverse culture and environment which works to retain , nurture and promote diverse talent .”
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