OCC
Getting comfortable with change
17 February 2026
Trent Killen, manager of Member Services at OCC, speaks with Carmella Haswell about his journey from public accounting to leading a team supporting the clearance of securities finance, options, and futures
Image: Trent Killen
Can you tell me about your journey into the securities finance industry?
I began my career as an auditor in public accounting, creating financial statements for clients. While the analytical work came naturally to me, I found myself drawn to the financial and operational aspects of the business rather than the audit function itself.
That realisation led me to the Options Clearing Corporation (OCC), where I started in a collateral services role where I could apply my operational background to improve our processes.
Since joining OCC, I have held various client-facing roles and ultimately grown into managing the Member Services department, supporting the clearance of securities finance, options, and futures. It has been a natural progression that has kept me constantly learning.
As a young professional, what aspects of your role or the industry do you find most exciting?
The pace and scale of change in this industry excites me most. Coming from the slower-paced world of public accounting, I was surprised by how quickly things can evolve within the clearing ecosystem.
In my current role, I sit at an intersection of operations and client relationships that allows me to see the direct impact of industry change firsthand. This constant evolution keeps me engaged and pushes me to keep learning.
Many companies offer various training and development opportunities for their employees. How has your company supported your growth?
I have had multiple passionate and experienced mentors at OCC who have been instrumental in my development. While classroom-style training has played a role, the direct relationships and interactions with my mentors have proven invaluable. They have shaped how I think and approach problems, teaching me to challenge assumptions rather than just follow processes. This mentorship is part of a broader culture where I feel supported asking questions and exploring new ideas, and that energises me daily.
What misconceptions about working in the financial industry have you encountered, and how do you address these challenges?
Early in my career, I expected the financial industry to be more formal and intimidating than it actually is. What I have found instead is that people in this space are genuinely welcoming and willing to share their knowledge.
I have addressed this by building relationships with experienced mentors and actively reaching out for help when I need it. The people I have worked with at OCC have been generous with their time and expertise, which has made navigating the complexity of this industry much more approachable than I initially expected.
What advice do you have for other young professionals aspiring to pursue a career in your industry?
Get comfortable with change early. This industry moves quickly, and the ability to adapt is more valuable than knowing everything upfront. Do not be afraid to ask questions or admit when you do not understand something. That willingness to learn has been more important to my growth than any specific knowledge I had coming in.
Seek out mentors who can help you navigate that complexity. There is no shortage of experienced individuals in this space who genuinely enjoy sharing their knowledge. Those relationships have been invaluable in helping me understand not just what we do, but why we do it.
Looking ahead, where do you see yourself in the next five years in terms of your career goals and aspirations?
I see my future at OCC. The unique role we play in clearing securities finance transactions is compelling to me. Over the next five years, I see myself continuing to grow as a leader and look forward to having a greater impact on the organisation. However that materialises, I want to look back and see that I made things better. I am focused on becoming the kind of leader who enables others to succeed and helps move the organisation forward in a meaningful way.
Trent Killen Bio
Trent Killen is a manager of Member Services at the Options Clearing Corporation (OCC). In this role, Trent oversees client-facing operations supporting the clearance of securities finance, options, and futures, ensuring seamless service delivery to OCC’s diverse member base.
Prior to managing Member Services, Trent held various roles within OCC’s business operations group, including collateral services, where he focused on streamlining workflows and improving operational efficiency. His experience at OCC has provided him with deep expertise in clearing operations and a comprehensive understanding of the securities finance ecosystem.
Before joining OCC, Trent began his career in public accounting as an auditor, where he created financial statements for clients and developed strong analytical and operational foundations that continue to inform his work today.
Trent holds a Master of Science in Accounting from the University of North Texas.
