Name: Chetan Shah
RBS Business Area: Global Banking &
Markets
University: University of Warwick
Degree subject: MMathPhys Mathematics
and Physics (2006)
Role with RBS: Currency Structuring
Time with RBS: 1 year
What do I do?
As an FX structurer, I work closely with
traders, salespeople and occasionally with
clients in order to provide bespoke hedging
and investment solutions to the client base via
complex exotic derivative products. This role
has three functions; providing consultancy,
pricing and trade execution. These functions
require me to think strategically, analytically,
rapidly, in an innovative fashion and above
all, accurately. One of the highlights in my
role has been the immediate exposure to new
and innovative products. It is a tremendous
responsibility to take ownership of these sorts
of trades, assess the associated risk, quote
the price and close the deal. To date this has
enabled me to execute trades totalling billions
of dollars of notional.
What really gets you out of bed to go to
work in the morning?
The thrill of working for a top FX bank in
a dynamic and challenging environment,
where no two days are the same, that offers
many opportunities to learn. I look forward
each morning to work with like-minded
people with a breadth of experience who are
motivated and committed.
What's the single biggest responsibility
you've been given since you joined, how did
you cope, and what did you learn from the
experience?
I spent a week at RBS Greenwich Capital in
the US as the sole local support to the US
corporate sales team. Adapting my knowledge
of the UK corporate market helped to address
the specific queries and requests posed by US
clients. Spending time in the US offered a
huge opportunity to build networks and learn
how the bank operates on a global scale.
You've grown professionally at RBS GBM
but how have you grown personally?
On a personal level, I have learnt to find a
balance between work and leisure. With
little free time, you make the most of it and
appreciate evenings and weekends.
How has your perception of RBS GBM
changed since you joined the business?
Having spent 1 year at RBS GBM and
speaking to colleagues from all over the
world I now fully appreciate the global nature
of the organisation.
What does it really take to succeed in your
role?
To succeed as a structurer, you need a
legendary stamina to think and act as quickly
as required throughout the day to meet the
ever-changing challenges brought about by the
constantly moving FX market. An insatiable
appetite to learn, being comfortable with
probability concepts and strong interpersonal
skills are also needed.
How do you learn new skills at RBS GBM
and who from?
Learning becomes a natural and continual
process at RBS GBM. Every so often I see or
hear something new on the desk. By asking
questions or through observation I aim to
understand these procedures or concepts.
What's the next big opportunity for you
within RBS (and what are you doing to get
it?)
I serve as back-up to other London-based
structurers, which provides an invaluable
insight into the different geographical and
product areas covered by the desk. To gain
a deeper understanding of the Structured
Investor Products division I have taken a
placement in this area. I hope to take this
opportunity to complement my UK corporate
knowledge.
From your own observations what is the
atmosphere and culture like within your part
of the business?
RBS GBM has a dynamic, entrepreneurial,
intellectually rigorous and meritocratic
culture. Individual initiative is encouraged
while fostering an attitude of teamwork and
support.
Can you say a few words on being part of
the Graduate Programme? (How this has
been beneficial to you)
Coming from a non-finance background,
the Graduate Programme provided the
opportunity to gain a well-rounded in-depth
knowledge of different product areas across
the bank, including financial modelling,
bond pricing and stock option pricing. I also
built strong networks with graduates in other
departments.
What do you do when you're not working?
When not working I enjoy everything London
has to offer - theatre, cinemas, galleries as
well as the many restaurants, cafes and bars.
A leisurely jog around the big green spaces
of the city is also a great way to relax and
keep fit.
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