What a FinTech Strategy Manager at LiquiLoans Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the FinTech Industry
Arnav, a senior manager at a FinTech startup, highlights a strong work ethic as the most crucial trait for success in financial services, describing a need to be willing to "work on a pitch deck on a Saturday night" or "build out this entire performer before" a crucial meeting. While acknowledging intense hours are typical, Arnav also points out alternative career paths within the industry, such as venture capital, offering a less demanding yet rewarding route.
Work Ethic, Intellectual Curiosity, Meticulousness, Adaptability, Long Working Hours
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Arnav Sutaria
Sr. Manager - Financial Alliances & Strategy
LiquiLoans (FinTech Startup)
University of Mumbai, 2018
None, professional certification - Chartered Accountant (India)
Accounting
Finance (Banking, Fintech, Investing)
Strategic Management and Executive
International Student
Video Highlights
1. A strong work ethic is crucial: Be prepared to work long and flexible hours, including weekends, as needed to meet deadlines and client demands.
2. Meticulous attention to detail is essential: Accuracy and precision are paramount in financial services, so strong analytical and problem-solving skills are necessary.
3. Intellectual curiosity is key: Stay updated on market trends, regulatory changes, and economic policies to make informed decisions and anticipate industry shifts. This includes awareness of what central banks (like the Fed or RBI) are communicating and understanding the implications of governmental financial policies.
Transcript
How would you describe people who typically thrive in your industry?
The financial services industry is notorious for attracting type A individuals. These are people who are very meticulous, highly focused, and willing to work 80-hour weeks if necessary. This isn't exclusive to finance; consulting is very similar, so anyone looking at consulting roles needs that kind of work ethic.
The most important quality in people who excel is their work ethic. You must be willing to put in the effort. If your boss asks you to work on a pitch deck on a Saturday night, you do it. If a FinTech startup boss says they have a meeting with a regulator tomorrow and need an entire performance document built before then, you build it out.
You need the ability and willingness to work undefined hours, requiring some flexibility. However, people can develop this skill. Some may not be initially willing but later embrace it upon seeing the learning curve and benefits.
It's not entirely like that, though. There are different fields within financial services. Venture capital, for instance, is a highly sought-after area. Even after an MBA from top programs, many students go into consulting or banking before eventually landing roles in VC firms.
From there, they can rise through the ranks or even launch their own startups. Venture capital offers many of the rewards of financial services without the extremely long working hours.
Ultimately, everyone can find their niche. It's not about being a specific type of person, but rather having certain qualities. You need to be willing to work long hours, be meticulous, and be intellectually curious.
You must stay informed about market trends, what central banks like the Fed, the Reserve Bank of India, or the Bank of England are saying, and the stances of your country's regulators. Understanding your government's finance ministry and anticipating economic policy for the next few years is also crucial. These elements form the puzzle pieces that contribute to success. Having them makes thriving easier, though not impossible to achieve without conforming to the stereotype of a finance professional.
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