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I’m a property manager, turned regulatory consultant, turned Calypso specialist, with a strong belief that the best career paths are the interesting, winding ones. Outside of work, you’ll usually find me on a hiking trail, at a trad session or more recently in my old age trying my hand at horse-riding. I’m a travel enthusiast; I’ve taken two career breaks to explore from the Canadian Rockies down to the jungles of Central & South America and beyond. These days, I’m channelling that energy into leading a major banks Finance Centre of Excellence, where I get to lead an incredibly talented and dynamic young FD team.
Honestly, timing was everything! When I joined 15 years ago, I had recently graduated with a property degree right after the global property crash. Not ideal! Jobs in that field were incredibly scarce and FD offered me a fantastic opportunity when I needed one most! Being part of FD in those early years it felt like a rocket just beginning to launch.
The company had an incredible energy and offered opportunities that simply couldn’t be matched anywhere else in Ireland. I started right at HQ, managing the global property portfolio. It was a unique backstage pass to the company’s growth, making sure our physical spaces could keep up with our ambitious plans. It gave me a foundational understanding of how every piece of the FD business fits together.
My journey has been a brilliant series of "and then" moments. It started with global property, supporting our expansion from 300 to 3000 people. Then came the big leap and one of the highlights of my career: helping to expand FD’s footprint in New York, which was an incredible adventure. I then took on a regulatory consulting project at a major bank in New York, which sharpened my client-side skills. That led to several amazing years working on a different major banks Calypso implementation. It’s been a fantastic journey!
I’ve been based in our HQ in Newry, spent time working and living in Dublin, and had the unforgettable experience of relocating to New York City. Each place taught me the value of diverse perspectives, and each had its own unique rhythm. Newry offered a close‑knit operational heartbeat; Dublin, a legendary sense of camaraderie and collaboration.
New York was something entirely different, for six years it was a masterclass in adaptability, pace, and building from the ground up in a competitive market. Those years completely shifted my perspective on life and career, teaching me invaluable skills and proving that embracing a new city is one of the best ways to grow both personally and professionally. Ultimately, though, no matter where you go or how fast things move, it’s the relationships you build that truly drive success.
It has to be my years on a leading bank’s Calypso implementation. It was a massive, complex project with a brilliant team, and seeing it go live and deliver real value was immensely satisfying. It’s also what made my current role leading a major banks Finance Centre of Excellence so special, it feels like a continuation of that story. But a close second is looking back at the early days in New York, from a small office to a thriving team. You can’t beat the feeling of helping to plant a flag for FD in a new corner of the world!
Don’t be afraid to make a lateral move or try a completely different role if it excites you. A career isn’t always a straight ladder up; sometimes it’s a series of connecting paths. The diverse experience you gain from different angles of the business makes you more resilient and valuable. Skills can be learned, and your confidence grows with action. What truly shapes your career is the willingness to keep moving and keep learning. With that mindset the doors will open themselves. Oh, and take that career break if you can - travel will teach you things no office ever can!
I’m a property manager, turned regulatory consultant, turned Calypso specialist, with a strong belief that the best career paths are the interesting, winding ones. Outside of work, you’ll usually find me on a hiking trail, at a trad session or more recently in my old age trying my hand at horse-riding. I’m a travel enthusiast; I’ve taken two career breaks to explore from the Canadian Rockies down to the jungles of Central & South America and beyond. These days, I’m channelling that energy into leading a major banks Finance Centre of Excellence, where I get to lead an incredibly talented and dynamic young FD team.
Honestly, timing was everything! When I joined 15 years ago, I had recently graduated with a property degree right after the global property crash. Not ideal! Jobs in that field were incredibly scarce and FD offered me a fantastic opportunity when I needed one most! Being part of FD in those early years it felt like a rocket just beginning to launch.
The company had an incredible energy and offered opportunities that simply couldn’t be matched anywhere else in Ireland. I started right at HQ, managing the global property portfolio. It was a unique backstage pass to the company’s growth, making sure our physical spaces could keep up with our ambitious plans. It gave me a foundational understanding of how every piece of the FD business fits together.
My journey has been a brilliant series of "and then" moments. It started with global property, supporting our expansion from 300 to 3000 people. Then came the big leap and one of the highlights of my career: helping to expand FD’s footprint in New York, which was an incredible adventure. I then took on a regulatory consulting project at a major bank in New York, which sharpened my client-side skills. That led to several amazing years working on a different major banks Calypso implementation. It’s been a fantastic journey!
I’ve been based in our HQ in Newry, spent time working and living in Dublin, and had the unforgettable experience of relocating to New York City. Each place taught me the value of diverse perspectives, and each had its own unique rhythm. Newry offered a close‑knit operational heartbeat; Dublin, a legendary sense of camaraderie and collaboration.
New York was something entirely different, for six years it was a masterclass in adaptability, pace, and building from the ground up in a competitive market. Those years completely shifted my perspective on life and career, teaching me invaluable skills and proving that embracing a new city is one of the best ways to grow both personally and professionally. Ultimately, though, no matter where you go or how fast things move, it’s the relationships you build that truly drive success.
It has to be my years on a leading bank’s Calypso implementation. It was a massive, complex project with a brilliant team, and seeing it go live and deliver real value was immensely satisfying. It’s also what made my current role leading a major banks Finance Centre of Excellence so special, it feels like a continuation of that story. But a close second is looking back at the early days in New York, from a small office to a thriving team. You can’t beat the feeling of helping to plant a flag for FD in a new corner of the world!
Don’t be afraid to make a lateral move or try a completely different role if it excites you. A career isn’t always a straight ladder up; sometimes it’s a series of connecting paths. The diverse experience you gain from different angles of the business makes you more resilient and valuable. Skills can be learned, and your confidence grows with action. What truly shapes your career is the willingness to keep moving and keep learning. With that mindset the doors will open themselves. Oh, and take that career break if you can - travel will teach you things no office ever can!
Five years into my First Derivative journey, I’m part of the Senior Leadership Team in the Transaction Reporting practice and juggle Delivery Manager and Business Analyst roles on my current assignment. Safe to say, there’s never a dull moment. Anyone who knows me will tell you I’m happiest with a backpack on, hiking boots laced up, and heading somewhere mainly off the beaten track - otherwise you are most likely to find me on a paddleboard whatever the season.
After six years in my previous role, I was ready for my next adventure. When a colleague mentioned an opportunity at First Derivative, I was curious as to what this involved. The chance to jump into a variety of projects, learn new skills, and keep things interesting sealed the deal and I haven’t looked back since. Five years on, no escape plan in sight, First Derivative must be doing things right.
I joined First Derivative as a Business Analyst in the transaction reporting regulatory space and, from day one, was straight onto a client site with a major global bank. Joining during the height of the pandemic meant starting fully remote, working on a large-scale regulatory rewrite project where I helped drive this programme forward. About 18 months in, I was sourced for another regulatory project on what was initially a six-month contract. Almost four years later, I’m still in the role - proving that “short-term” roles can turn into longrunning, rewarding journeys packed with continuous learning.
A big part of the role is building a strong, trusted partnership with the client, making sure their strategic goals aren’t just met, but delivered day in, day out. Alongside this, I keep the resourcing plates spinning, working closely with FD Sales, FD Resourcing, and senior client stakeholders to match the right skills to the right role, while supporting consultant development. I also roll up my sleeves and operate as a senior business analyst, tackling complex issues and driving timely analysis.
London was already home when my FD journey began, and it’s where I’ve continued to build my career ever since. The city’s fast pace, constant buzz, and ever-changing landscape have perfectly mirrored my experience here. London has always pushed me to embrace new challenges, adapt quickly, and continuously develop both professionally and personally. With endless opportunities to learn, collaborate, and grow, it’s been the ideal playground for building my First Derivative career.
Leading the team on my current client assignment has been one of the real highlights of my time at FD. They roll up their sleeves, jump into challenges without hesitation, and collaborate brilliantly to keep things moving. The energy, commitment, and can-do attitude the team brings every day are what make this engagement tick and being part of a team that works hard, has each other’s backs, and still manages to have fun along the way is something I’m hugely proud of.
Put yourself forward before you feel 100% ready, because waiting to feel “ready” often means waiting forever. The real growth happens just outside your comfort zone, and confidence has a habit of showing up fashionably late, once you’ve already taken the leap. So raise your hand, say yes, learn as you go, and lean into the experience - the rest will follow. That’s exactly what First Derivative encourages you to do (sometimes gently, sometimes with a little extra enthusiasm!).
Five years into my First Derivative journey, I’m part of the Senior Leadership Team in the Transaction Reporting practice and juggle Delivery Manager and Business Analyst roles on my current assignment. Safe to say, there’s never a dull moment. Anyone who knows me will tell you I’m happiest with a backpack on, hiking boots laced up, and heading somewhere mainly off the beaten track - otherwise you are most likely to find me on a paddleboard whatever the season.
After six years in my previous role, I was ready for my next adventure. When a colleague mentioned an opportunity at First Derivative, I was curious as to what this involved. The chance to jump into a variety of projects, learn new skills, and keep things interesting sealed the deal and I haven’t looked back since. Five years on, no escape plan in sight, First Derivative must be doing things right.
I joined First Derivative as a Business Analyst in the transaction reporting regulatory space and, from day one, was straight onto a client site with a major global bank. Joining during the height of the pandemic meant starting fully remote, working on a large-scale regulatory rewrite project where I helped drive this programme forward. About 18 months in, I was sourced for another regulatory project on what was initially a six-month contract. Almost four years later, I’m still in the role - proving that “short-term” roles can turn into longrunning, rewarding journeys packed with continuous learning.
A big part of the role is building a strong, trusted partnership with the client, making sure their strategic goals aren’t just met, but delivered day in, day out. Alongside this, I keep the resourcing plates spinning, working closely with FD Sales, FD Resourcing, and senior client stakeholders to match the right skills to the right role, while supporting consultant development. I also roll up my sleeves and operate as a senior business analyst, tackling complex issues and driving timely analysis.
London was already home when my FD journey began, and it’s where I’ve continued to build my career ever since. The city’s fast pace, constant buzz, and ever-changing landscape have perfectly mirrored my experience here. London has always pushed me to embrace new challenges, adapt quickly, and continuously develop both professionally and personally. With endless opportunities to learn, collaborate, and grow, it’s been the ideal playground for building my First Derivative career.
Leading the team on my current client assignment has been one of the real highlights of my time at FD. They roll up their sleeves, jump into challenges without hesitation, and collaborate brilliantly to keep things moving. The energy, commitment, and can-do attitude the team brings every day are what make this engagement tick and being part of a team that works hard, has each other’s backs, and still manages to have fun along the way is something I’m hugely proud of.
Put yourself forward before you feel 100% ready, because waiting to feel “ready” often means waiting forever. The real growth happens just outside your comfort zone, and confidence has a habit of showing up fashionably late, once you’ve already taken the leap. So raise your hand, say yes, learn as you go, and lean into the experience - the rest will follow. That’s exactly what First Derivative encourages you to do (sometimes gently, sometimes with a little extra enthusiasm!).
I’m someone who genuinely enjoys solving problems, building teams, and helping people succeed. Over my time here, I’ve had the chance to wear several hats - developer, delivery manager, mentor, and each one has shaped how I approach challenges and collaboration. Outside of work, I’m someone who values continuous learning, whether that’s exploring new technologies or finding better ways to improve an existing product.
What drew me to First Derivative was their connection with industry leading clients and its group of talented developers delivering real business value impact. The idea of working directly on meaningful client projects while growing my own skills felt like the right environment for me. I started out in a hands-on development role, diving into KDB and working closely with business teams. This is an experience that quickly taught me how important strong client relationships are.
My journey here has been a steady evolution. I began as a developer, eventually stepping into a team leadership role where I ran scrums and helped drive delivery on major projects. That experience naturally led me into Delivery Management, where I now oversee multiple engagements and support teams across North America and Canada. Along the way, I helped create and led various committees and got involved in interviewing and onboarding new hires. Each milestone deepening my connection to the people and culture at FD.
I’ve been a native New Yorker all my life, but I had the opportunity to work closely with various teams across the global, and each region has offered something different. Being immersed in different client environments has helped me adapt quickly, understand varying expectations, and build trust with teams who work in diverse ways. It’s also given me a broader perspective on how to support our consultants and maintain strong relationships no matter where they’re based.
I’m especially proud of helping build and lead the Practice Team Lead Committee. It was meaningful to create something that supported leadership, collaboration, and growth across the region. I also look back proudly on the various client deliveries I’ve managed, and representing FD as the Morgan Stanley host at the New York Stock Exchange was definitely a memorable highlight—it reminded me how far our relationships with clients can go when we truly invest in them.
I wish someone had told me earlier that technical skills will get you started, but people skills will help you grow. Investing in mentoring, listening, and understanding others truly amplifies the impact you can have. The moments where I’ve supported someone through a challenge or helped them grow have been some of the most rewarding parts of my career.
I’m someone who genuinely enjoys solving problems, building teams, and helping people succeed. Over my time here, I’ve had the chance to wear several hats - developer, delivery manager, mentor, and each one has shaped how I approach challenges and collaboration. Outside of work, I’m someone who values continuous learning, whether that’s exploring new technologies or finding better ways to improve an existing product.
What drew me to First Derivative was their connection with industry leading clients and its group of talented developers delivering real business value impact. The idea of working directly on meaningful client projects while growing my own skills felt like the right environment for me. I started out in a hands-on development role, diving into KDB and working closely with business teams. This is an experience that quickly taught me how important strong client relationships are.
My journey here has been a steady evolution. I began as a developer, eventually stepping into a team leadership role where I ran scrums and helped drive delivery on major projects. That experience naturally led me into Delivery Management, where I now oversee multiple engagements and support teams across North America and Canada. Along the way, I helped create and led various committees and got involved in interviewing and onboarding new hires. Each milestone deepening my connection to the people and culture at FD.
I’ve been a native New Yorker all my life, but I had the opportunity to work closely with various teams across the global, and each region has offered something different. Being immersed in different client environments has helped me adapt quickly, understand varying expectations, and build trust with teams who work in diverse ways. It’s also given me a broader perspective on how to support our consultants and maintain strong relationships no matter where they’re based.
I’m especially proud of helping build and lead the Practice Team Lead Committee. It was meaningful to create something that supported leadership, collaboration, and growth across the region. I also look back proudly on the various client deliveries I’ve managed, and representing FD as the Morgan Stanley host at the New York Stock Exchange was definitely a memorable highlight—it reminded me how far our relationships with clients can go when we truly invest in them.
I wish someone had told me earlier that technical skills will get you started, but people skills will help you grow. Investing in mentoring, listening, and understanding others truly amplifies the impact you can have. The moments where I’ve supported someone through a challenge or helped them grow have been some of the most rewarding parts of my career.
I've worked for FD for over 12 years, predominantly based in London. I am the Practice Lead for Change Solutions looking after all things PM/BA and PMO. During my time with FD, I've often found myself getting involved in bits of everything and my paths have crossed with so many great people. Before EPAM, you would have often found me in the Cannon Street office (usually in the same seat) but I've recently returned from Maternity Leave and am now settling into 9DSQ - new favourite seat still to be decided. The forementioned maternity leave means my free time is now spent with my gorgeous son enjoying soft play, long walks and early nights. On the rare occasion I get to go out, I love a trip to the theatre.
I felt a bit lost at the end of Uni, I had finished a Degree in Finance and Mathematics with little thought into what was next, if I had it my way I'd have gone to Drama School so I didn't have lifelong dreams of working in Finance. My sister had a job offer from FD in 2009 but went elsewhere, so she was the one who told me about this company in Newry where I could be a Financial Engineer. The title was enough to sell the role. I arrived in the Newry office for an interview at the start of June 2013, the interview part went well, the aptitude test we had to do did not! I remember emailing HR after the day asking (begging) them to take a chance on me knowing full well, I had failed that test, but they did, and I started on the 3rd July 2013.
Like many others, I started FD as a grad. My first role was a regulatory analyst working on EMIR with a client in London where I worked for 2 years before graduating from the program. I then went onto work in a regulatory change department for 3 years where I started as a Business Analyst and finished as a Project Manager. It was at this point where I started getting involved internally at FD, finding roles, helping with onboarding, interviews, etc. Over the next few years, I worked as a PM/Program Manager in multiple large transformation programs and managed to take a group of grads on a training trip to India along the way. My ambition progress at FD led to a position on the old Client Solutions SLT which gave me the chance to really show what I could do. I worked on everything from RFPs to assigning PTLs and really got to know the business. It was all of this work and my years with FD that landed me my current role as Practice Lead for Change Solutions. Today, while I still step in on projects and client work when needed, my main focus is growing the practice and mentoring our people.
I tell this story whenever asked, but I was told on my second week at FD to go to work on an EMIR project for 6 weeks in London and I am still here 12.5 years later. I met my husband over here and now we have a son, so I'm stuck here for another while until I can convince them to move home to Wexford. London has given me incredible opportunities, I've worked on the trading floor in top investment banks, I worked in India for a month to kick off a project and I've met the same faces in projects across the city. Every time I've been bored at the end of a project, I find myself in a new one learning something else.
It's a toss up, firstly, anyone at the London Christmas Party in 2022 would remember I was given not 1 but 2 awards for Team of the Year and Pioneer of the year, having been a finalist at the Women in Tech Awards a few weeks before; this was pretty special and I did some serious celebrating afterwards. Secondly, when I was made a Practice Lead, I started FD as a graduate and worked my way up to this through hard work and getting to know FD as much as anyone so being recognised and given a leadership position was another proud moment.
I could give countless pieces of advice here! The main one would be, don't be afraid to say no but be able to live with yourself if you do. In other words, avoid putting yourself into situations where you're overloaded and unbale to deliver effectively. If you can help, absolutely do. But if you can't, it's ok to decline and don't feel guilty about it! Setting boundaries is key to maintaining quality and balance. The second piece of advice I wish I had is - don't take it home with you. When you finish work, leave it there. I am an anxious person, I could win awards for overthinking, but I've learned over the years that work is work and life is life. Learn to separate the two.
I've worked for FD for over 12 years, predominantly based in London. I am the Practice Lead for Change Solutions looking after all things PM/BA and PMO. During my time with FD, I've often found myself getting involved in bits of everything and my paths have crossed with so many great people. Before EPAM, you would have often found me in the Cannon Street office (usually in the same seat) but I've recently returned from Maternity Leave and am now settling into 9DSQ - new favourite seat still to be decided. The forementioned maternity leave means my free time is now spent with my gorgeous son enjoying soft play, long walks and early nights. On the rare occasion I get to go out, I love a trip to the theatre.
I felt a bit lost at the end of Uni, I had finished a Degree in Finance and Mathematics with little thought into what was next, if I had it my way I'd have gone to Drama School so I didn't have lifelong dreams of working in Finance. My sister had a job offer from FD in 2009 but went elsewhere, so she was the one who told me about this company in Newry where I could be a Financial Engineer. The title was enough to sell the role. I arrived in the Newry office for an interview at the start of June 2013, the interview part went well, the aptitude test we had to do did not! I remember emailing HR after the day asking (begging) them to take a chance on me knowing full well, I had failed that test, but they did, and I started on the 3rd July 2013.
Like many others, I started FD as a grad. My first role was a regulatory analyst working on EMIR with a client in London where I worked for 2 years before graduating from the program. I then went onto work in a regulatory change department for 3 years where I started as a Business Analyst and finished as a Project Manager. It was at this point where I started getting involved internally at FD, finding roles, helping with onboarding, interviews, etc. Over the next few years, I worked as a PM/Program Manager in multiple large transformation programs and managed to take a group of grads on a training trip to India along the way. My ambition progress at FD led to a position on the old Client Solutions SLT which gave me the chance to really show what I could do. I worked on everything from RFPs to assigning PTLs and really got to know the business. It was all of this work and my years with FD that landed me my current role as Practice Lead for Change Solutions. Today, while I still step in on projects and client work when needed, my main focus is growing the practice and mentoring our people.
I tell this story whenever asked, but I was told on my second week at FD to go to work on an EMIR project for 6 weeks in London and I am still here 12.5 years later. I met my husband over here and now we have a son, so I'm stuck here for another while until I can convince them to move home to Wexford. London has given me incredible opportunities, I've worked on the trading floor in top investment banks, I worked in India for a month to kick off a project and I've met the same faces in projects across the city. Every time I've been bored at the end of a project, I find myself in a new one learning something else.
It's a toss up, firstly, anyone at the London Christmas Party in 2022 would remember I was given not 1 but 2 awards for Team of the Year and Pioneer of the year, having been a finalist at the Women in Tech Awards a few weeks before; this was pretty special and I did some serious celebrating afterwards. Secondly, when I was made a Practice Lead, I started FD as a graduate and worked my way up to this through hard work and getting to know FD as much as anyone so being recognised and given a leadership position was another proud moment.
I could give countless pieces of advice here! The main one would be, don't be afraid to say no but be able to live with yourself if you do. In other words, avoid putting yourself into situations where you're overloaded and unbale to deliver effectively. If you can help, absolutely do. But if you can't, it's ok to decline and don't feel guilty about it! Setting boundaries is key to maintaining quality and balance. The second piece of advice I wish I had is - don't take it home with you. When you finish work, leave it there. I am an anxious person, I could win awards for overthinking, but I've learned over the years that work is work and life is life. Learn to separate the two.
On my very first day at FD, I never would have known that 11 years later, I’d still be here! It’s been an incredible journey that has truly shaped my career and personal path, giving me opportunities I never imagined and friendships that mean the world to me. Over the years, I’ve grown from tackling complex projects to leading initiatives that make a real impact, and I’m constantly inspired by the talented people I work with. Outside of work, I love staying active - horse riding and running are my go-to hobbies, and in recent years I’ve taken up surfing and skiing, which keep me challenged and remind me that learning never stops.
I was drawn to FD because of its reputation for innovation and the chance to work on exciting, high-impact projects. When I interviewed, I could feel the energy and ambition of the company, and that really resonated with me. Starting out, I was eager to learn and contribute, and FD gave me the platform to do just that. Looking back, that first opportunity opened doors I never imagined.
I started at FD as a project manager, delivering regulatory and tech transformation projects for major global banks, including US Treasury Clearing, T+1 readiness, and OCC Exam Prep. These experiences honed my skills in governance, stakeholder management, Agile delivery, and cross-team collaboration. One thing that has made this journey so special is the people. Working alongside FD colleagues on client sites is always a breath of fresh air - everyone works incredibly hard, but we still manage to share laughs and support each other. That balance of professionalism and camaraderie is what makes FD unique and why I’ve loved every step of this journey.
I started my FD journey in Dublin, where I spent two years working on a leading Irish bank’s projects. Those early days were a huge learning curve - I gained valuable experience, built lifelong friendships, and learned how to navigate complex projects. Landing on a new project can feel daunting at first, but I’ve discovered that with the right mindset and support, everything is doable. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to take on a variety of roles - PMO, Project Manager, Business Analyst, and even Test Manager. Each role came with its own challenges, and while the learning curve was steep at times, it was one I’m grateful for. These experiences broadened my skill set, boosted my confidence, and taught me that growth often happens outside your comfort zone. Later, moving to New York put me at the center of global finance, where I’ve worked on challenging, high-pressure initiatives. That experience has strengthened my adaptability and resilience, and being exposed to different cultures and ways of working has shaped not only my career but also my outlook, making me more open to new challenges.
One of my proudest moments was contributing to a major regulatory compliance initiative under tight deadlines and intense pressure. It wasn’t just about delivering the project - it was about stepping into a challenging environment (where apparently I was the “expert”), quickly building trust with stakeholders, and finding solutions when the stakes were high. Seeing the project delivered successfully and knowing it had a real impact on the client’s operations was incredibly rewarding. It taught me that even when a project feels overwhelming at first, with the right mindset and collaboration, you can achieve more than you think.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions: Seriously, ask questions - Google can only get you so far! It’s better to take the time to understand the bigger picture than to rush ahead with assumptions. Building strong relationships and staying curious are key to long-term success. Embrace the steep learning curves. Landing on a new project can feel overwhelming, but every challenge is an opportunity to grow. Confidence comes with experience, and the more you push yourself outside your comfort zone, the more capable you’ll feel. Surround yourself with people who support and uplift you - those connections make the journey not only easier but far more rewarding. Not to sound cheesy but keep moving and trust the process!
On my very first day at FD, I never would have known that 11 years later, I’d still be here! It’s been an incredible journey that has truly shaped my career and personal path, giving me opportunities I never imagined and friendships that mean the world to me. Over the years, I’ve grown from tackling complex projects to leading initiatives that make a real impact, and I’m constantly inspired by the talented people I work with. Outside of work, I love staying active - horse riding and running are my go-to hobbies, and in recent years I’ve taken up surfing and skiing, which keep me challenged and remind me that learning never stops.
I was drawn to FD because of its reputation for innovation and the chance to work on exciting, high-impact projects. When I interviewed, I could feel the energy and ambition of the company, and that really resonated with me. Starting out, I was eager to learn and contribute, and FD gave me the platform to do just that. Looking back, that first opportunity opened doors I never imagined.
I started at FD as a project manager, delivering regulatory and tech transformation projects for major global banks, including US Treasury Clearing, T+1 readiness, and OCC Exam Prep. These experiences honed my skills in governance, stakeholder management, Agile delivery, and cross-team collaboration. One thing that has made this journey so special is the people. Working alongside FD colleagues on client sites is always a breath of fresh air - everyone works incredibly hard, but we still manage to share laughs and support each other. That balance of professionalism and camaraderie is what makes FD unique and why I’ve loved every step of this journey.
I started my FD journey in Dublin, where I spent two years working on a leading Irish bank’s projects. Those early days were a huge learning curve - I gained valuable experience, built lifelong friendships, and learned how to navigate complex projects. Landing on a new project can feel daunting at first, but I’ve discovered that with the right mindset and support, everything is doable. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to take on a variety of roles - PMO, Project Manager, Business Analyst, and even Test Manager. Each role came with its own challenges, and while the learning curve was steep at times, it was one I’m grateful for. These experiences broadened my skill set, boosted my confidence, and taught me that growth often happens outside your comfort zone. Later, moving to New York put me at the center of global finance, where I’ve worked on challenging, high-pressure initiatives. That experience has strengthened my adaptability and resilience, and being exposed to different cultures and ways of working has shaped not only my career but also my outlook, making me more open to new challenges.
One of my proudest moments was contributing to a major regulatory compliance initiative under tight deadlines and intense pressure. It wasn’t just about delivering the project - it was about stepping into a challenging environment (where apparently I was the “expert”), quickly building trust with stakeholders, and finding solutions when the stakes were high. Seeing the project delivered successfully and knowing it had a real impact on the client’s operations was incredibly rewarding. It taught me that even when a project feels overwhelming at first, with the right mindset and collaboration, you can achieve more than you think.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions: Seriously, ask questions - Google can only get you so far! It’s better to take the time to understand the bigger picture than to rush ahead with assumptions. Building strong relationships and staying curious are key to long-term success. Embrace the steep learning curves. Landing on a new project can feel overwhelming, but every challenge is an opportunity to grow. Confidence comes with experience, and the more you push yourself outside your comfort zone, the more capable you’ll feel. Surround yourself with people who support and uplift you - those connections make the journey not only easier but far more rewarding. Not to sound cheesy but keep moving and trust the process!
I’m Federica, currently working in an PMO Finance role. I’m passionate about combining financial expertise with data-driven insights to help clients optimize their operational performance and achieve measurable results. I’ve always enjoyed working in dynamic environments where no two days are the same. Outside of work, I love traveling, spending quality time with friends and hiking.
What first attracted me to First Derivative was the company’s reputation and its global presence in the FinTech services sector. I was drawn to the opportunity to work with leading clients on challenging and transformative projects. I started my journey at FD as a BA and was immediately impressed by the supportive culture and the emphasis on continuous learning and growth.
Since joining First Derivative, my career has evolved significantly. I began working on a loan sale and over time, I took on greater responsibilities, moving into leadership positions that allowed me to manage teams and client relationships. I love the role I am in now as this has given me the opportunity to mentor others and drive project success thanks to strong strong client relationships.
During my time with FD, I've had the opportunity to work on many different internal and external projects. Each one has been unique and rewarding - adapting to new teams, and client environments has helped me develop a strong adaptable mindset. It’s taught me the importance of flexibility, communication, and collaboration across borders.
I’m proud of leading & mentoring new consultants and watching them grow into confident professionals within FD.
I wish someone had told me earlier that it’s okay not to have all the answers right away. Mistakes are part of the learning journey and what matters most is curiosity - being willing to learn, ask questions, and continuously develop your skills. Embrace challenges as opportunities to grow.
I’m Federica, currently working in an PMO Finance role. I’m passionate about combining financial expertise with data-driven insights to help clients optimize their operational performance and achieve measurable results. I’ve always enjoyed working in dynamic environments where no two days are the same. Outside of work, I love traveling, spending quality time with friends and hiking.
What first attracted me to First Derivative was the company’s reputation and its global presence in the FinTech services sector. I was drawn to the opportunity to work with leading clients on challenging and transformative projects. I started my journey at FD as a BA and was immediately impressed by the supportive culture and the emphasis on continuous learning and growth.
Since joining First Derivative, my career has evolved significantly. I began working on a loan sale and over time, I took on greater responsibilities, moving into leadership positions that allowed me to manage teams and client relationships. I love the role I am in now as this has given me the opportunity to mentor others and drive project success thanks to strong strong client relationships.
During my time with FD, I've had the opportunity to work on many different internal and external projects. Each one has been unique and rewarding - adapting to new teams, and client environments has helped me develop a strong adaptable mindset. It’s taught me the importance of flexibility, communication, and collaboration across borders.
I’m proud of leading & mentoring new consultants and watching them grow into confident professionals within FD.
I wish someone had told me earlier that it’s okay not to have all the answers right away. Mistakes are part of the learning journey and what matters most is curiosity - being willing to learn, ask questions, and continuously develop your skills. Embrace challenges as opportunities to grow.
I was diagnosed with dyslexia at the age of three. From that point onward, it was always something I was aware of, but I never felt it held me back. To me, it was more of a personal quirk than a limitation. It wasn’t until I learned more about dyslexia that I began to understand how it truly affected me. I realized that many habits and approaches I had naturally adopted were actually strategies to manage and counter its challenges. As I progressed through school, university, and eventually into the professional workplace, I became increasingly adept at figuring out how to get the best out of myself. While there were certain situations where I struggled more than my peers, I learned how to overcome and manage these challenges. One of the most important lessons I’ve embraced is not being afraid to ask for help when I need it. In fact, I’d say that dyslexia has shaped me in a positive way—it’s made me more social, helped me build connections, and given me a deeper awareness of other people’s struggles as I reflect on my own. In addition to dyslexia, I also experience dyspraxia, though this wasn’t recognized until I was at university. Once it was identified, many aspects of my childhood suddenly made more sense. For example, I was always a bit scruffy and clumsy as a child (and, truthfully, I still am as an adult). I struggled with tasks like fastening the top button of my school shirt, and to this day, I still can’t tie a tie.
A funny memory comes to mind: my younger brother, who’s four years younger than me, used to tie my shoes because I didn’t learn how to do it myself until I was 10. Back then, everyone assumed I was just too lazy to bother learning. Another story my mum loves to tell is about when I was just eight months old. To her shock, she turned around to find me walking into the kitchen toward her. At that point, I had never crawled or even taken my first steps. Later, after learning more, we discovered that this is a common early identifier of dyspraxia. During primary school, I also attended speech therapy when I was in Primary 3. At the time, it wasn’t linked to dyspraxia, and my speech impediment was mild enough that it was quickly resolved. Interestingly, despite not having dyspraxia formally recognized until much later, I received a lot of the right support during my childhood in the form of speech therapy and involvement in sports. Because of this, I never saw dyspraxia as a major issue—it’s just another part of what makes me uniquely me.
The emergence of assistive technology has significantly transformed the way I approach reading and writing. During my school years, I often struggled with large amounts of text and would frequently avoid it altogether. Instead, I relied on discussing the material with peers to better understand it. Today, however, tools like text-to-speech technology and AI-generated summaries allow me to process large volumes of information with much greater ease. Similarly, spell check has resolved many of the challenges I faced with writing. While I still occasionally misread things and make mistakes, the improvement has been substantial.
I always go out of my way on projects to discuss issues verbally as well as keeping a written record. Having dyslexia creates a large disparity between my understand of spoken and written communication and by discussing problems and instructions out loud, I gain a much clearer understanding of what’s required, which complements the written documentation and ensures nothing is missed.
One of the most valuable strengths I’ve gained from living with dyslexia is my ability to simplify complex information and communicate it effectively to others. This skill has proven especially beneficial in the workplace, where I’ve used it to train new analysts on our workflow processes and to break down intricate corporate structures for team members and relationship managers. It’s a strength that allows me to bridge gaps in understanding and enhance collaboration within the team.
LinkedIn has recently recognised "Dyslexic Thinking" as an official skill, highlighting the unique strengths that come with neurodiversity. With the advancement of assistive technologies, many of the challenges associated with dyslexia have been significantly reduced. By embracing these tools and fostering an inclusive environment that values the contributions of neurodivergent individuals, we can create opportunities for everyone to thrive and excel.
Everyone is different so the best way to assist anyone is by getting to know them and understand how they work. Saying this, by familiarising yourself with neurodivergent conditions and their common difficulties and strategies to overcome these will help to identify these conditions in your team and help empathise with them.
The idea that dyslexia is just words moving around on the page isn’t the case. Although those simulations do slow people down to the speed of someone with dyslexia, it’s not how we see the world. We see it the same as everyone else, it just doesn’t go in quite as well.
The more information that is out there, the more we can work to benefit those around us. By removing negative stereotypes and reinforcing helpful strategies and practices everyone will benefit.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Asking for help and talking to people has led me down this path and helped me foster great relationships which I am very grateful for.
I was diagnosed with dyslexia at the age of three. From that point onward, it was always something I was aware of, but I never felt it held me back. To me, it was more of a personal quirk than a limitation. It wasn’t until I learned more about dyslexia that I began to understand how it truly affected me. I realized that many habits and approaches I had naturally adopted were actually strategies to manage and counter its challenges. As I progressed through school, university, and eventually into the professional workplace, I became increasingly adept at figuring out how to get the best out of myself. While there were certain situations where I struggled more than my peers, I learned how to overcome and manage these challenges. One of the most important lessons I’ve embraced is not being afraid to ask for help when I need it. In fact, I’d say that dyslexia has shaped me in a positive way—it’s made me more social, helped me build connections, and given me a deeper awareness of other people’s struggles as I reflect on my own. In addition to dyslexia, I also experience dyspraxia, though this wasn’t recognized until I was at university. Once it was identified, many aspects of my childhood suddenly made more sense. For example, I was always a bit scruffy and clumsy as a child (and, truthfully, I still am as an adult). I struggled with tasks like fastening the top button of my school shirt, and to this day, I still can’t tie a tie.
A funny memory comes to mind: my younger brother, who’s four years younger than me, used to tie my shoes because I didn’t learn how to do it myself until I was 10. Back then, everyone assumed I was just too lazy to bother learning. Another story my mum loves to tell is about when I was just eight months old. To her shock, she turned around to find me walking into the kitchen toward her. At that point, I had never crawled or even taken my first steps. Later, after learning more, we discovered that this is a common early identifier of dyspraxia. During primary school, I also attended speech therapy when I was in Primary 3. At the time, it wasn’t linked to dyspraxia, and my speech impediment was mild enough that it was quickly resolved. Interestingly, despite not having dyspraxia formally recognized until much later, I received a lot of the right support during my childhood in the form of speech therapy and involvement in sports. Because of this, I never saw dyspraxia as a major issue—it’s just another part of what makes me uniquely me.
The emergence of assistive technology has significantly transformed the way I approach reading and writing. During my school years, I often struggled with large amounts of text and would frequently avoid it altogether. Instead, I relied on discussing the material with peers to better understand it. Today, however, tools like text-to-speech technology and AI-generated summaries allow me to process large volumes of information with much greater ease. Similarly, spell check has resolved many of the challenges I faced with writing. While I still occasionally misread things and make mistakes, the improvement has been substantial.
I always go out of my way on projects to discuss issues verbally as well as keeping a written record. Having dyslexia creates a large disparity between my understand of spoken and written communication and by discussing problems and instructions out loud, I gain a much clearer understanding of what’s required, which complements the written documentation and ensures nothing is missed.
One of the most valuable strengths I’ve gained from living with dyslexia is my ability to simplify complex information and communicate it effectively to others. This skill has proven especially beneficial in the workplace, where I’ve used it to train new analysts on our workflow processes and to break down intricate corporate structures for team members and relationship managers. It’s a strength that allows me to bridge gaps in understanding and enhance collaboration within the team.
LinkedIn has recently recognised "Dyslexic Thinking" as an official skill, highlighting the unique strengths that come with neurodiversity. With the advancement of assistive technologies, many of the challenges associated with dyslexia have been significantly reduced. By embracing these tools and fostering an inclusive environment that values the contributions of neurodivergent individuals, we can create opportunities for everyone to thrive and excel.
Everyone is different so the best way to assist anyone is by getting to know them and understand how they work. Saying this, by familiarising yourself with neurodivergent conditions and their common difficulties and strategies to overcome these will help to identify these conditions in your team and help empathise with them.
The idea that dyslexia is just words moving around on the page isn’t the case. Although those simulations do slow people down to the speed of someone with dyslexia, it’s not how we see the world. We see it the same as everyone else, it just doesn’t go in quite as well.
The more information that is out there, the more we can work to benefit those around us. By removing negative stereotypes and reinforcing helpful strategies and practices everyone will benefit.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Asking for help and talking to people has led me down this path and helped me foster great relationships which I am very grateful for.
I have been working with FD for 6+ years specialising as a Lead QA I have gained excellent experience in Agile environments and release processes. I am based in Newry in Northern Ireland and enjoy being close to the cities of Belfast and Dublin but still being close to nature and the Mourne Mountains. I am happiest when I get to spend time on the wild Atlantic coast of Ireland.
My path to FD was a little unorthodox. I studied chemistry in university but was never confident of my career goals. After I spent a little time figuring out what I wanted in life, a colleague in FD told me about the graduate scheme and how great it was to work here, how FD were on the cutting edge of technology and how I would enjoy the company culture. I applied not thinking I would have much success as I had no experience but to my delight, I was accepted on to the graduate scheme which provided the training I need to succeed. Nearly 7 years later I know it was a great decision to try despite my initial misgivings.
Most of my time in FD so far was working with a top Tier 1 investment bank in regulations as a QA lead. I like to call it my baptism of fire because I learned so much from my time there going from a junior QA to running the team ; they were amazing! After this I have worked on proof-of-concept projects, establishing and guiding QA teams, my most recent work being for a new product that may revolutionize resilience working in DORA and CERD where I am acting as QA lead and PMO so dipping my toes into new things and working closely with our partners. Outside of my project work for clients I also put a lot of effort into the Neurodiversity Networks one of the DEI networks here in FD and I get a lot of fulfilment in delivering training around Neurodiversity as part of our graduate program and being a part of such a great community that supports each other. I also mentor colleagues within FD and that brings me a lot of satisfaction and has taught me so much.
As a girl from Fermanagh, Ireland I was pretty certain I didn’t want to be too far from home long term so FD has been a brilliant place to work as I only had to move as far as Newry which has been great for my work life balance. In saying that I have also had the opportunity to work in London for short spells which was also great but I know I am a home bird.
Feel the fear and do it anyway! It’s ok to have reservations or nerves when we need to step out of our comfort zone, but I have found my best growth professionally (and personally) is when I have had to step up and do the hard things, have the difficult conversations and challenge myself.
It’s hard to pick one so I am cheating by saying two. Being shortlisted last year for the Step Up Awards for Corporate Citizen of the Year and being invited to attend the Aspiring Leadership Programme which was an amazing opportunity to connect with leaders and learn from their insights and experiences.
I have been working with FD for 6+ years specialising as a Lead QA I have gained excellent experience in Agile environments and release processes. I am based in Newry in Northern Ireland and enjoy being close to the cities of Belfast and Dublin but still being close to nature and the Mourne Mountains. I am happiest when I get to spend time on the wild Atlantic coast of Ireland.
My path to FD was a little unorthodox. I studied chemistry in university but was never confident of my career goals. After I spent a little time figuring out what I wanted in life, a colleague in FD told me about the graduate scheme and how great it was to work here, how FD were on the cutting edge of technology and how I would enjoy the company culture. I applied not thinking I would have much success as I had no experience but to my delight, I was accepted on to the graduate scheme which provided the training I need to succeed. Nearly 7 years later I know it was a great decision to try despite my initial misgivings.
Most of my time in FD so far was working with a top Tier 1 investment bank in regulations as a QA lead. I like to call it my baptism of fire because I learned so much from my time there going from a junior QA to running the team ; they were amazing! After this I have worked on proof-of-concept projects, establishing and guiding QA teams, my most recent work being for a new product that may revolutionize resilience working in DORA and CERD where I am acting as QA lead and PMO so dipping my toes into new things and working closely with our partners. Outside of my project work for clients I also put a lot of effort into the Neurodiversity Networks one of the DEI networks here in FD and I get a lot of fulfilment in delivering training around Neurodiversity as part of our graduate program and being a part of such a great community that supports each other. I also mentor colleagues within FD and that brings me a lot of satisfaction and has taught me so much.
As a girl from Fermanagh, Ireland I was pretty certain I didn’t want to be too far from home long term so FD has been a brilliant place to work as I only had to move as far as Newry which has been great for my work life balance. In saying that I have also had the opportunity to work in London for short spells which was also great but I know I am a home bird.
Feel the fear and do it anyway! It’s ok to have reservations or nerves when we need to step out of our comfort zone, but I have found my best growth professionally (and personally) is when I have had to step up and do the hard things, have the difficult conversations and challenge myself.
It’s hard to pick one so I am cheating by saying two. Being shortlisted last year for the Step Up Awards for Corporate Citizen of the Year and being invited to attend the Aspiring Leadership Programme which was an amazing opportunity to connect with leaders and learn from their insights and experiences.
I grew up in County Cork, Ireland, where I graduated in Financial Mathematics and Actuarial Science from UCC. I’m now living in Manhattan, NY, working as a kdb+ consultant developer leading a real-time exchange surveillance project. If I wasn’t a developer, I would love to be a florist.
First Derivative has opened the door to an unmatched client catalogue of world leading stock exchanges and investment banks utilizing kdb+/q. The unique opportunity to train and work as a kdb+ Developer whilst travelling worldwide stood out against the competition.
I started with FD through their grad program as it was a very attractive offer to kickstarting a career within the FinTech space. With training modules and challenging exams, the program is designed to take you from a beginner kdb+ developer to an advanced developer in a short space of time white earning industry recognised qualifications.
I started my career as a kdb+ Developer building kdb+ applications for stock exchanges and formula 1 teams. I am now leading a team of developers building a kdb+ surveillance application for a derivatives exchange running real-time analytics to identify market abuse on the exchange. Key milestones also include becoming a delivery manager and NY Regional Lead of KX Services practice.
I joined FD during the pandemic and started my professional career working from home in Cork. After a year, the opportunity to move to NY was presented and I have lived in the states ever since. To start my workday by walking up Wall St surrounded by highly motivated people in the heart of the Financial District is inspiring and offers an unmatched contagious energy.
Most people in the room have imposter syndrome, but acknowledging it allows you to challenge it and move forward regardless.
In April, I had the honour of representing FD on a powerful panel at Big Data New York where I spoke on the topic of diverse leadership in Big Data and AI. This was a wonderful opportunity for me both professionally and personally and a moment I am proud of.
I grew up in County Cork, Ireland, where I graduated in Financial Mathematics and Actuarial Science from UCC. I’m now living in Manhattan, NY, working as a kdb+ consultant developer leading a real-time exchange surveillance project. If I wasn’t a developer, I would love to be a florist.
First Derivative has opened the door to an unmatched client catalogue of world leading stock exchanges and investment banks utilizing kdb+/q. The unique opportunity to train and work as a kdb+ Developer whilst travelling worldwide stood out against the competition.
I started with FD through their grad program as it was a very attractive offer to kickstarting a career within the FinTech space. With training modules and challenging exams, the program is designed to take you from a beginner kdb+ developer to an advanced developer in a short space of time white earning industry recognised qualifications.
I started my career as a kdb+ Developer building kdb+ applications for stock exchanges and formula 1 teams. I am now leading a team of developers building a kdb+ surveillance application for a derivatives exchange running real-time analytics to identify market abuse on the exchange. Key milestones also include becoming a delivery manager and NY Regional Lead of KX Services practice.
I joined FD during the pandemic and started my professional career working from home in Cork. After a year, the opportunity to move to NY was presented and I have lived in the states ever since. To start my workday by walking up Wall St surrounded by highly motivated people in the heart of the Financial District is inspiring and offers an unmatched contagious energy.
Most people in the room have imposter syndrome, but acknowledging it allows you to challenge it and move forward regardless.
In April, I had the honour of representing FD on a powerful panel at Big Data New York where I spoke on the topic of diverse leadership in Big Data and AI. This was a wonderful opportunity for me both professionally and personally and a moment I am proud of.
Being from Northern Ireland (County Down in particular) it would be hard not to be familiar with the success story that is First Derivative. Working in the Financial Services sector, I’d seen first hand the reasons behind the success. Any First Derivative employees I worked with were brilliant professionals who were trusted by the client and delivered. When I was approached by a former colleague to join the company I was flattered and couldn’t say no.
A day in my role in Banking Ops is a Balancing Act. Balancing the client’s needs and project deliverables with the daily needs of my own team while also making time to contribute to the development of the practice and First Derivative as a whole.
Watching the grads flourish. On my first project with First Derivative, I led a group of 20 plus new recruits to the CMTP. Like me, they were just in the door and eager to impress. It’s been a privilege watching them develop as professionals - from graduating from CMTP, reviewing client / PTL feedback to seeing their applications for promotion and my colleagues in the SLT recognising their efforts and rewarding them with that deserved promotion.
For me, working for First Derivative still has a real local feel to it. It’s sometimes easy to forget the global footprint First Derivative has. I think that’s unique in this industry and is one factor which sets us apart from our competitors. Another factor, which many have already mentioned, is our people. The quality of our recruitment is second to none. The intelligence and ability to work smart from a large part of the people I have worked with is amazing.
Being from Northern Ireland (County Down in particular) it would be hard not to be familiar with the success story that is First Derivative. Working in the Financial Services sector, I’d seen first hand the reasons behind the success. Any First Derivative employees I worked with were brilliant professionals who were trusted by the client and delivered. When I was approached by a former colleague to join the company I was flattered and couldn’t say no.
A day in my role in Banking Ops is a Balancing Act. Balancing the client’s needs and project deliverables with the daily needs of my own team while also making time to contribute to the development of the practice and First Derivative as a whole.
Watching the grads flourish. On my first project with First Derivative, I led a group of 20 plus new recruits to the CMTP. Like me, they were just in the door and eager to impress. It’s been a privilege watching them develop as professionals - from graduating from CMTP, reviewing client / PTL feedback to seeing their applications for promotion and my colleagues in the SLT recognising their efforts and rewarding them with that deserved promotion.
For me, working for First Derivative still has a real local feel to it. It’s sometimes easy to forget the global footprint First Derivative has. I think that’s unique in this industry and is one factor which sets us apart from our competitors. Another factor, which many have already mentioned, is our people. The quality of our recruitment is second to none. The intelligence and ability to work smart from a large part of the people I have worked with is amazing.
“I was ready for a change and felt that First Derivative were the right choice. First Derivative offers the opportunity to work alongside and learn from industry SMEs and gain experience across a broad network of clients. A real stand out for me is the relationship First Derivative has with the clients they serve. There is a real focus on collaboration, finding solutions for future success and ongoing partnership.”
“Client Lifecycle Management is a key area for First Derivative. We have a team of skilled operational delivery staff, offering our clients the ability to deliver complex, scalable regulatory operations and programmes of work across our global network. Our SMEs support our global client base across the multiple aspects of Client Lifecycle Management: Client Onboarding, AML Remediations, Transaction Monitoring, Client Outreach, KYC Refresh, Customer Re-papering, Screening, Contract Reviews.”
“It is, and that keeps it interesting. Covering multiple disciplines means we can support our clients holistically, offering recommendations for continuous improvement and forward planning as we understand the upstream and downstream benefits. From a First Derivative perspective, it means our teams understand the end-to-end process of the client journey and can build specialisms in key areas. We have SMEs in each offering, which is invaluable to our clients.”
“There are a few key areas for continued focus, however they all come under one umbrella – the customer journey. Ultimately the financial service provider wants their customers to have confidence in them, be able to do business easily and with minimum fuss. At the same time, they need to ensure they are compliant with the various regulatory frameworks. First Derivative support our global client base in those efforts. We work collaboratively with our clients, providing honest feedback and suggestions to enhance existing processes. We provide detailed metrics on project progression against target operating models, highlighting potential breaks in processes, bottlenecks in the workflow and working with the client to streamline and improve processes.”
“Seeing the analysts become more confident in themselves and their abilities is without doubt a huge win for me. I have team leads within my current project who had no experience in compiling a metric pack. Now, not only are they collating metrics packs, they are presenting these for discussion with senior stakeholders and holding their own in the room with MLROS, heads of business, and their peers. Within First Derivative, we nurture our staff and encourage them in their careers, to see that in practice is incredibly rewarding.”
“I was ready for a change and felt that First Derivative were the right choice. First Derivative offers the opportunity to work alongside and learn from industry SMEs and gain experience across a broad network of clients. A real stand out for me is the relationship First Derivative has with the clients they serve. There is a real focus on collaboration, finding solutions for future success and ongoing partnership.”
“Client Lifecycle Management is a key area for First Derivative. We have a team of skilled operational delivery staff, offering our clients the ability to deliver complex, scalable regulatory operations and programmes of work across our global network. Our SMEs support our global client base across the multiple aspects of Client Lifecycle Management: Client Onboarding, AML Remediations, Transaction Monitoring, Client Outreach, KYC Refresh, Customer Re-papering, Screening, Contract Reviews.”
“It is, and that keeps it interesting. Covering multiple disciplines means we can support our clients holistically, offering recommendations for continuous improvement and forward planning as we understand the upstream and downstream benefits. From a First Derivative perspective, it means our teams understand the end-to-end process of the client journey and can build specialisms in key areas. We have SMEs in each offering, which is invaluable to our clients.”
“There are a few key areas for continued focus, however they all come under one umbrella – the customer journey. Ultimately the financial service provider wants their customers to have confidence in them, be able to do business easily and with minimum fuss. At the same time, they need to ensure they are compliant with the various regulatory frameworks. First Derivative support our global client base in those efforts. We work collaboratively with our clients, providing honest feedback and suggestions to enhance existing processes. We provide detailed metrics on project progression against target operating models, highlighting potential breaks in processes, bottlenecks in the workflow and working with the client to streamline and improve processes.”
“Seeing the analysts become more confident in themselves and their abilities is without doubt a huge win for me. I have team leads within my current project who had no experience in compiling a metric pack. Now, not only are they collating metrics packs, they are presenting these for discussion with senior stakeholders and holding their own in the room with MLROS, heads of business, and their peers. Within First Derivative, we nurture our staff and encourage them in their careers, to see that in practice is incredibly rewarding.”
“Our consultants are problem solvers, always innovating and delivering quality solutions. Capital Markets is the one of most demanding industries where change is a constant, urgency & attention to detail are ever important. The opportunities at First Derivative are abundant to learn from the SME’s in the industry, solve complex problems and making an impact. Learn from the best, be a part of the best and grow with the best team in Capital Markets Consulting.”
“Small is big – Organizations are seeing value in small focused agile delivery teams instead of large teams under layers of management, similar to our First Derivative pods model. Platform mindset – Our clients in Capital Markets are approaching solutions with a Platform Mindset, one that moves away from vertical silos which limits opportunities/value to a horizontal integrated platform centric mindset that benefits cost/opportunities and value. Our consultants operate in agile, platform centric approach aligning technology and business capabilities offering most value. Engineering Services, especially within our Application Engineering we are raising the bar by developing practice guidelines for skills & proficiencies maturity expected of our consultants.”
“Our track record in Capital Markets Industry, our SME’s driving the success of our client delivery, our engagement with our clients as delivery partners, our internal practice capabilities and our growing consulting foot print in Canada makes First Derivative uniquely positioned to drive the success stories for our clients and our consultants.”
“Communities, R&D Projects, Practice initiatives and business trends; A lot goes on outside of client delivery, there are no borders/silo’s on what everyone can get involved in.”
“First Derivative is a people centric organization. The drive to improve the way we work and the boldness to experiment internally within the organization strikes me as something unique to First Derivative. Everyone I worked with in First Derivative is customer value driven, positively surprised by the standard we set.”
“Our consultants are problem solvers, always innovating and delivering quality solutions. Capital Markets is the one of most demanding industries where change is a constant, urgency & attention to detail are ever important. The opportunities at First Derivative are abundant to learn from the SME’s in the industry, solve complex problems and making an impact. Learn from the best, be a part of the best and grow with the best team in Capital Markets Consulting.”
“Small is big – Organizations are seeing value in small focused agile delivery teams instead of large teams under layers of management, similar to our First Derivative pods model. Platform mindset – Our clients in Capital Markets are approaching solutions with a Platform Mindset, one that moves away from vertical silos which limits opportunities/value to a horizontal integrated platform centric mindset that benefits cost/opportunities and value. Our consultants operate in agile, platform centric approach aligning technology and business capabilities offering most value. Engineering Services, especially within our Application Engineering we are raising the bar by developing practice guidelines for skills & proficiencies maturity expected of our consultants.”
“Our track record in Capital Markets Industry, our SME’s driving the success of our client delivery, our engagement with our clients as delivery partners, our internal practice capabilities and our growing consulting foot print in Canada makes First Derivative uniquely positioned to drive the success stories for our clients and our consultants.”
“Communities, R&D Projects, Practice initiatives and business trends; A lot goes on outside of client delivery, there are no borders/silo’s on what everyone can get involved in.”
“First Derivative is a people centric organization. The drive to improve the way we work and the boldness to experiment internally within the organization strikes me as something unique to First Derivative. Everyone I worked with in First Derivative is customer value driven, positively surprised by the standard we set.”
“When my colleague recommended First Derivative to me, I was a little sceptical at first. The company is new in the Polish market and is relatively unknown to most developers, despite being recognised internationally as the world’s largest dedicated capital markets consulting firm. What convinced me was the fact that I would have the opportunity to collaborate with several very experienced colleagues, giving me a perfect opportunity to refresh and expand my knowledge in the field of latest technologies, cloud and containerization. The company is people-focused, constantly pushing its employees to grow, learn and share.”
“When I joined First Derivative, I was positively surprised at how much the company feels like a small family. Everyday in the morning, we would join a “coffee” MS Teams meeting to share interesting news, technical etc with workmates, provoking intense discussions and helping us bond. I found that particularly helpful now in the post-pandemic era of working from home, when it is easy to feel isolated and driven to concentrate only on technical tasks at hand instead of the people.”
“I would recommend joining First Derivative to anyone who is interested in the banking sector and wants to have an opportunity to collaborate with the world’s largest financial institutions. First Derivative offers competitive compensation, good work benefits, work-life balance and ample training & certification possibilities. Furthermore, the company is large and renowned globally and still relatively small and start-up-like locally in Poland, which combines into a truly unique feel overall.”
“When my colleague recommended First Derivative to me, I was a little sceptical at first. The company is new in the Polish market and is relatively unknown to most developers, despite being recognised internationally as the world’s largest dedicated capital markets consulting firm. What convinced me was the fact that I would have the opportunity to collaborate with several very experienced colleagues, giving me a perfect opportunity to refresh and expand my knowledge in the field of latest technologies, cloud and containerization. The company is people-focused, constantly pushing its employees to grow, learn and share.”
“When I joined First Derivative, I was positively surprised at how much the company feels like a small family. Everyday in the morning, we would join a “coffee” MS Teams meeting to share interesting news, technical etc with workmates, provoking intense discussions and helping us bond. I found that particularly helpful now in the post-pandemic era of working from home, when it is easy to feel isolated and driven to concentrate only on technical tasks at hand instead of the people.”
“I would recommend joining First Derivative to anyone who is interested in the banking sector and wants to have an opportunity to collaborate with the world’s largest financial institutions. First Derivative offers competitive compensation, good work benefits, work-life balance and ample training & certification possibilities. Furthermore, the company is large and renowned globally and still relatively small and start-up-like locally in Poland, which combines into a truly unique feel overall.”
“Our industry is awash with firms who charge a fortune for delivering PowerPoints and not much else; or firms who under-value their people and expect daily micro-management. When I see how these firms operate, I am reminded of the dystopian cry, “I am not a number, I am a human being!”. The personality of a firm is extremely important and at First Derivative, we like people who have opinions and aren’t scared to voice them.”
“We create and implement modern technology platforms. We design and deliver solutions which work in real time, are beautiful to use and easy to change. The engineering division is a global team which works hand in hand with our consulting and managed services teams. Our combination of flexibility and expertise works for our clients and creates opportunities for our people.
“That is true of retail financial services where many firms are, for example, still operating on mainframes. However the capital markets have typically led the way in investment in technology. Whilst this was interrupted in the aftermath of the global financial crisis, from a technology investment perspective, we are through that now and First Derivative are delivering innovative and exciting projects in areas such as real time data and cloud engineering. These projects are delivered in complex environments with many interconnected applications. So innovation and modernisation typically go hand in hand.”
“My personal experience tells me that creating world class technology solutions is actually a very creative process. And the projects I have enjoyed the most are those where a small group of people create something that is massive in terms of its impact. The best solutions are created by rounded technologists who understand our clients’ business and the challenges they face. That is how I would start describing our modus operandi.”
“Our industry is awash with firms who charge a fortune for delivering PowerPoints and not much else; or firms who under-value their people and expect daily micro-management. When I see how these firms operate, I am reminded of the dystopian cry, “I am not a number, I am a human being!”. The personality of a firm is extremely important and at First Derivative, we like people who have opinions and aren’t scared to voice them.”
“Our industry is awash with firms who charge a fortune for delivering PowerPoints and not much else; or firms who under-value their people and expect daily micro-management. When I see how these firms operate, I am reminded of the dystopian cry, “I am not a number, I am a human being!”. The personality of a firm is extremely important and at First Derivative, we like people who have opinions and aren’t scared to voice them.”
“We create and implement modern technology platforms. We design and deliver solutions which work in real time, are beautiful to use and easy to change. The engineering division is a global team which works hand in hand with our consulting and managed services teams. Our combination of flexibility and expertise works for our clients and creates opportunities for our people.
“That is true of retail financial services where many firms are, for example, still operating on mainframes. However the capital markets have typically led the way in investment in technology. Whilst this was interrupted in the aftermath of the global financial crisis, from a technology investment perspective, we are through that now and First Derivative are delivering innovative and exciting projects in areas such as real time data and cloud engineering. These projects are delivered in complex environments with many interconnected applications. So innovation and modernisation typically go hand in hand.”
“My personal experience tells me that creating world class technology solutions is actually a very creative process. And the projects I have enjoyed the most are those where a small group of people create something that is massive in terms of its impact. The best solutions are created by rounded technologists who understand our clients’ business and the challenges they face. That is how I would start describing our modus operandi.”
“Our industry is awash with firms who charge a fortune for delivering PowerPoints and not much else; or firms who under-value their people and expect daily micro-management. When I see how these firms operate, I am reminded of the dystopian cry, “I am not a number, I am a human being!”. The personality of a firm is extremely important and at First Derivative, we like people who have opinions and aren’t scared to voice them.”
I joined First Derivative 12 years ago as part of the graduate OPTIONS programme. As a graduate the career choices available to you are endless but First Derivative always stood out to me for its culture, variety of work, professionalism and global presence. Whilst there has been a huge amount of change in the company since operationally these values still hold true today.
I’m a Programme manager in First Derivative’s Client Solutions practice and a lot of people assume my role is made up of project plans and tons of admin work. Whilst I do love a good plan, the role brings so much more in a practical sense when you are on the ground working with a client. Every project can vary but it’s important to have really strong stakeholder engagement skills, be a keen problem solver, a team player as well as loving a good bit of organisation.
You are a combination of the people around you, so surround yourself with people who share the same values as yourself. For me this is positivity, ambition and a willingness to learn and help others.
The variety of projects we cover in client solutions means you are constantly being challenged whether it’s in your own delivery or supporting others across the practice. I’ve been supported through every step of my career and the motivation and attitude of those around me has made it an enjoyable journey.
I joined First Derivative 12 years ago as part of the graduate OPTIONS programme. As a graduate the career choices available to you are endless but First Derivative always stood out to me for its culture, variety of work, professionalism and global presence. Whilst there has been a huge amount of change in the company since operationally these values still hold true today.
I’m a Programme manager in First Derivative’s Client Solutions practice and a lot of people assume my role is made up of project plans and tons of admin work. Whilst I do love a good plan, the role brings so much more in a practical sense when you are on the ground working with a client. Every project can vary but it’s important to have really strong stakeholder engagement skills, be a keen problem solver, a team player as well as loving a good bit of organisation.
You are a combination of the people around you, so surround yourself with people who share the same values as yourself. For me this is positivity, ambition and a willingness to learn and help others.
The variety of projects we cover in client solutions means you are constantly being challenged whether it’s in your own delivery or supporting others across the practice. I’ve been supported through every step of my career and the motivation and attitude of those around me has made it an enjoyable journey.
What attracted me the most when I first heard about First Derivative was the huge network and opportunities abroad. I always wanted to go travelling and live in different countries and First Derivative gave me the opportunity to do so.
I have been with First Derivative for a few years and the most rewarding part of my role at this stage is being able to help and mentor new people into the First Derivative culture and Murex world.
Being in consulting means being in a highly dynamic environment. You can work in different projects and clients at the same time. In my day-to-day role I work closely with different clients on the Murex application. I am part of the Finance team in which we are developing and adapting the tool to adapt to new products and new regulations that affects our clients.
The opportunities and the personal development that First Derivative can offer you. It allows you to grow by working in an international environment and gives you the tools to grow your career in different roles.
Adapting to the new challenges that arise from our dynamic world and giving fast solutions can be the most challenging part of my role.
The flexibility that First Derivative offers to their employees such as allowing us to work remotely in many cases and having opportunities abroad are the best parts in my opinion.
If you like international dynamic environments and flexibility to grow your career, First Derivative is a great company that offers both of those opportunities.
I received a call from First Derivative as my profile matched what they were looking for and I got the opportunity to work in my first project abroad, in Finland!
What attracted me the most when I first heard about First Derivative was the huge network and opportunities abroad. I always wanted to go travelling and live in different countries and First Derivative gave me the opportunity to do so.
I have been with First Derivative for a few years and the most rewarding part of my role at this stage is being able to help and mentor new people into the First Derivative culture and Murex world.
Being in consulting means being in a highly dynamic environment. You can work in different projects and clients at the same time. In my day-to-day role I work closely with different clients on the Murex application. I am part of the Finance team in which we are developing and adapting the tool to adapt to new products and new regulations that affects our clients.
The opportunities and the personal development that First Derivative can offer you. It allows you to grow by working in an international environment and gives you the tools to grow your career in different roles.
Adapting to the new challenges that arise from our dynamic world and giving fast solutions can be the most challenging part of my role.
The flexibility that First Derivative offers to their employees such as allowing us to work remotely in many cases and having opportunities abroad are the best parts in my opinion.
If you like international dynamic environments and flexibility to grow your career, First Derivative is a great company that offers both of those opportunities.
I received a call from First Derivative as my profile matched what they were looking for and I got the opportunity to work in my first project abroad, in Finland!
