Can you tell me about your journey into the securities finance industry?
I joined TreasurySpring through the Jumpstart programme, which places graduates into high-growth startups. I have always had a passion for financial markets, and TreasurySpring's mission to unlock wholesale money markets for a broader client base sparked my interest. Particularly, the opportunity to be part of a team that is shaping the future of cash investments in a rapidly evolving space was a major draw.
Navigating my path into securities finance, I dove headfirst into a relatively unknown area of the market. Through hands-on experience, repo education courses, and mentorship, I quickly built up an understanding of the space, but also an appreciation of the complexity and interconnectivity of the securities financing industry. The supportive and knowledgeable team has been instrumental in helping me grow, and I have been fortunate to contribute meaningfully 鈥� whether it is helping onboard counterparties, becoming a full-fledged member of the trading team, or even organising regular team-building events.
As a young professional, what aspects of your role or the industry do you find most exciting?
The ever-changing nature of the market is one of the most exciting aspects of my role. 歐美性愛 finance is fluid, dynamic, and constantly evolving, which means each day brings new challenges and learning opportunities. The fast-paced environment keeps me engaged, and I really enjoy the variety and unpredictability.
A particular experience that has been rewarding is my involvement in the pricing and trading execution of our Fixed-Term Funds. I have had the chance to become an integral part of the trading team, which has been an amazing learning opportunity with significant exposure so soon in my career.
Onboarding counterparties and helping grow the firm鈥檚 presence in the market has been a key highlight, along with organising exciting team-building events, which have helped strengthen our team culture and foster collaboration.
Many companies offer various training and development opportunities for their employees. How has your company supported your growth?
At TreasurySpring, there is a clear focus on personal and professional growth. I have benefited from a mixture of mentorship, on-the-job experience, and external education opportunities. Through direct hands-on experience within meaningful, value-add projects, I have been able to grow quickly in my role and feel like I am making an impactful difference within the firm.
Additionally, the company supports continuous learning through conferences and courses, which have further expanded my knowledge of the broader market and specific areas like repo. The supportive culture here means I have plenty of opportunities to ask questions, learn from more experienced colleagues, and receive guidance as I continue to develop.
What misconceptions about working in the financial industry have you encountered, and how do you address these challenges?
One common misconception about working in finance is that it is all about numbers and crunching data without much collaboration or creativity. In reality, the industry, especially in areas like securities finance, is highly dynamic and requires a blend of both technical skills and creative problem-solving.
As a young professional, I have found that embracing a growth mindset is essential. Being open to learning from others and acknowledging that no one has all the answers helps me tackle the challenges I face daily and allows me to contribute meaningfully to the team. I try to encourage others to take a similar approach by showing that teamwork and creativity are just as important as technical know-how in this space.
Looking ahead, where do you see yourself in the next five years in terms of your career goals and aspirations?
In the next five years, I hope to continue growing within TreasurySpring, deepening my expertise in areas like counterparty relationships and trading execution. I am excited to enhance my commercial knowledge and gain a deeper understanding of the more specialised aspects of the market and evolving infrastructure.
I am also eager to gain more leadership experience and continue refining my skills in client management, as I believe building long-term relationships with key counterparts will be essential as I progress.
Staying on top of industry evolution and reforms will not only provide opportunities for my personal growth but also drive strategic advantages for us at TreasurySpring, contributing to our growth and the broader industry鈥檚 development.
What advice do you have for other young professionals aspiring to pursue a career in your industry?
My advice would be to embrace continuous learning and seek out opportunities to grow. The financial industry is fast-paced and ever-evolving, so staying curious and open to new experiences is essential and exciting. Whether it is through formal education, seeking mentorship, or learning through hands-on experience, growth is a constant process.
Additionally, do not be afraid to get stuck into projects outside your comfort zone. The best learning often happens by diving into challenges and being open to making mistakes that you learn from. Surround yourself with a supportive team and do not be afraid to ask questions 鈥� ask a lot of questions, even if they lead to more questions, as they often do.
Dani Lazard bio
Dani Lazard is a London-born entrepreneur with a keen interest in financial markets. He achieved first-class honours in business analytics at the University of Leeds, where he also started a business in sports merchandising during Covid-19.
After graduating, Lazard joined TreasurySpring through the Jumpstart programme, where he found a passion for securities finance. Over the past two years at the firm, he has been actively involved in trading and execution, as well as working to bring new counterparties to the platform.
In his free time, Lazard can usually be found not too far from a football pitch or a padel court.
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Image: Dani Lazard 