The industry faces an exciting few years ahead, according to panellists at the Securities Finance Symposium in Boston.
In a panel discussion titled ‘Leaders in Lending’, speakers discussed strategies for adapting to a changing market and navigating regulatory demands.
Discussion began with a consideration of upcoming points of interest for panellists in 2024-25.
Sarah Holmes, global head of securities lending at Brown Brothers Harriman, explained how a big area of focus for her firm is promoting talent, and fostering a greater sense of belonging.
Oberon Knapp, executive director of participant solutions, and head of securities lending at OCC, agreed. Speaking of the historically narrow representation within the finance industry, he argued it was important to increase diversity within the next generation of the workforce.
The question of AI was also a pertinent discussion point, exploring the changes this could implement within markets.
Speakers highlighted how younger generations entering the workforce are more comfortable with AI tools than the current workforce, suggesting their expectations around technology adoption will impact retention and recruitment within the industry.
The use cases of AI were also touched on. Nancy Allen, head of Data & Analytics Solutions at EquiLend, discussed how the firm is looking into using AI to instantly provide data — for example, with top earning securities or equities portfolios — to free up people's time for more valuable work.
Nehal Udeshi, managing director, head of securities finance at BNY Mellon Markets, discussed the use of data in her firm, recounting how clients are pushing for bundled collateral, liquidity, and financing solutions delivered through integrated technology platforms.
She argued that firms need to think about solutions that can service the needs of both traditional and non-traditional borrowers and lenders.
The panel concluded with optimistic and excited evaluations of what the next few years will bring, noting that the industry is arguably seeing more dramatic change than it has in a long time.
As Knapp said: “The market structure is going to change, but it's going to change the way that all of us are participating.
“This is an industry full of solution oriented people. We tend to work well together and collaborate, and I'm really just excited to see what the next couple years will bring.”
