Citi Investor Services
Taking a leap of faith
12 May 2026
Sonia Shah, assistant vice president, securities finance trading at Citi Investor Services, speaks to Carmella Haswell about her unconventional path into the market and playing a part in its evolution
Image: Sonia Shah
Can you tell me about your journey into the securities finance industry?
I found my way into securities finance through an unconventional path. After finishing my secondary education, I applied to the Citi Apprenticeship Programme without fully knowing where it would lead. When my offer letter arrived a few weeks later with “securities finance” written on it, I had no idea what that actually meant but I decided to take a leap of faith.
Citi’s Apprenticeship Programmes in the UK offer a different path into financial services for individuals who may not have followed the traditional route via university, as an example. It provides on-the-job training with formal study, leading to professional qualifications and a permanent role after completion.
I joined the desk as a trading assistant (TA), supporting the team with day-to-day activities while studying for my certification. Starting out in this role gave me the chance to build a strong foundation and understand the mechanics of the business from the ground up. Over time, I took on more responsibilities and learned from experienced colleagues across both our equities and fixed income teams.
By the end of my apprenticeship, I advanced from a TA to a full-time trader and was recently promoted to assistant vice president. That steady progression has strengthened both my skills and my confidence in the industry.
As a young professional, what aspects of your role or the industry do you find the most exciting?
Being at Citi, I am grateful that I can witness firsthand the changes and efforts going into AI developments. I am excited to see how rapidly these changes are being adopted in our day-to-day roles.
Within the securities finance industry specifically, I am looking forward to seeing developments in technology drive greater efficiency in our industry and transform the way we operate.
The industry is also constantly adapting to new demands. It has been especially rewarding to be involved in projects that will play a part in its evolution, whether it is the expansion of lending into Middle Eastern markets, the development of central counterparty solutions, or the growth of retail client lending. I look forward to seeing how these initiatives will come to life over the next few years and advance the industry.
Many companies offer various training and development opportunities for their employees. How has your company supported your growth?
Citi has been extremely supportive of my development from the beginning of my career. Being part of a company that values learning through apprenticeship has allowed me to gain hands-on experience while continuing to study and broaden my understanding of the financial services industry.
I am also grateful to my manager, who has consistently supported me throughout my career, offering new opportunities, encouraging cross-training within the team, and helping me continually expand my knowledge and skill set. This led to an excellent opportunity to spend time in New York supporting our US team.
It was a highly valuable experience, allowing me to see how my knowledge of markets in the EMEA region translates to the US, including where approaches and market practices differ.
I have also been fortunate to attend multiple industry conferences and hear from industry experts, providing valuable exposure, the ability to stay close to market developments, and to build a strong network.
What misconceptions about working in the financial industry have you encountered, and how do you address these challenges?
One common misconception is that the financial industry is inaccessible to anyone who has not followed a traditional academic path. My experience has been quite the opposite. Both my manager and Citi have been strong supporters of my growth through a multitude of opportunities.
Another misconception is that the industry is purely numbers-driven. In reality, relationship building is one of the most essential skills for success. While technical knowledge is important, I quickly realised in this role how important partnership, communication, and information sharing is within the business and more broadly, the firm.
What advice do you have for other young professionals aspiring to pursue a career in your industry?
Always say yes to new opportunities. The advantage of being young and starting out in your career is time. If you try something and it does not end up being your favourite thing, it is a lesson learnt rather than a waste of time, and you can discover what is truly of interest.
Looking ahead, where do you see yourself in the next five years in terms of your career goals and aspirations?
Over the next five years, I want to continue growing as a trader and gain a deeper understanding of event trading, including pricing and the mechanics behind different corporate actions to add more value to our clients. I have also recently passed my CFA Level 1 exam and I am working towards achieving my charterholder.
As we continue cross training within the team, I am excited to expand my knowledge base on our fixed income desk, looking at structured financing and cash repo.
I also look forward to continued participation in industry developments as the market continues to see significant innovation in securities lending.
Sonia Shah bio
Sonia Shah is a trader in the securities finance business at Citi. She began her career at the firm through the Citi apprenticeship programme, initially working as a trading assistant. Prior to joining Citi, she worked at an art dealership, where she attended auctions and organised exhibitions, an experience markedly different from her current role.
Today, she supports the equities and fixed income businesses and continues to develop professionally by working towards the CFA charter. Outside of work, she enjoys travelling and embracing new challenges, whether training for a marathon or returning to ballet classes after a seven-year break.
-part-1.jpg)
