The Inheritors Series – Catherine Bran

In the latest in The Full FX’s Inheritors Series, Catherine Bran, head of business development, APAC, at SmartTrade, talks to Colin Lambert about her path into FX via the Pharma industry and her desire to broaden her horizons, which led to her move to Europe.

Bran’s path to FX involved a different approach to development/mentoring, which helped kick start her journey and is ongoing, and has led to her current role – which leads her to discuss the regional nuances she sees around the globe, especially in the banking arena. She talks about the growth of the hybrid approach to technology infrastructure, as different institutions develop at different paces.

The conversation then moves on to the role technology plays in her day-to-day responsibilities and the increased use of apps (some of which Lambert has heard of!) and how AI is permeating her role, and supporting her work structure. Bran provides some thoughtful observations on how the relationship functions in the current environment, as well as how this has transformed more towards a consultancy/advice model, from straight sales.

The conversation closes out with Bran’s thoughts on the future of the industry, specifically the pressing need for a multi-asset class solutions, as well as how the landscape is changing fast in payments, and the opportunities that are emerging for technology companies.