A Full Circle Moment:
From First Steps in New York to the Wall Street 50 Wall of Fame

There are moments in a company’s history that prompt reflection, not just on how far we’ve come, but on the unexpected paths that shaped the journey. This week, one of First Derivative’s own, Victoria Shanks, has been honoured by Irish America twice, firstly as part of the Wall Street 50 and at the Irish America Business 100 Awards. Both recognitions highlight her impact on the world of finance and technology and offer a lens through which to reflect on FD’s own journey over the last 25 years.

While the awards celebrate Victoria individually, they also connect directly to an important chapter in First Derivative’s early story, one that began when the company was taking its first steps onto the international stage.

In 2001, First Derivative was a young company of fewer than 20 people. Through a NI trade mission, we travelled to New York which was an opportunity that felt ambitious at the time, but one that would leave a lasting impression. As part of that visit, we were invited to attend the Wall Street 50 reception at Windows on the World, located at the top of the World Trade Centre’s North Tower. At the time, we had little sense of the significance of the event or how unusual it was for a company of our size to be there. During the same trip, we also presented an event addressed by the Mayor of New York. The name Rudy Giuliani meant little to us then, however, two months later, following the events of September 11th, it would become a household name.

The tragic events that followed changed the meaning of that visit forever. Many of those present at the reception did not survive. What had been an exciting and formative experience for a young company became something far more reflective, a reminder of how closely ambition, opportunity, and history can intersect.

Almost a quarter of a century later, the Wall Street 50 features again in the First Derivative story, but this time, through the recognition of Victoria Shanks. Both honors come from an organisation that has consistently highlighted the contributions of Irish leaders globally, and both represent meaningful milestones for someone who has been part of FD since its early days and continues to play a significant role in our growth as a global organisation. Victoria’s recognition further goes on to reflect a career spent helping to build long-term client relationships, developing teams, and contributing to FD’s expansion across international markets.

Another notable aspect of this year’s Business 100 Awards is the recognition of Andrea Haughian, receipt of the Spirit of Ireland Award and Head of Americas for Invest Northern Ireland. Like Victoria, Andrea is from Lurgan, and the two have known each other since childhood. Their presence on the same platform serves as a reminder that global impact often has local beginnings, and that talent from smaller communities can shape industries far beyond their point of origin.

Recognition such as this offers an opportunity not just to celebrate, but to reflect. For First Derivative, it brings into focus a journey that began with a small team, a first trade mission, and a willingness to step into unfamiliar rooms. This moment is a reminder of where the journey started, and of the people, opportunities and shared experiences that helped shape it along the way.

Congratulations Victoria!