CPT Markets

Q Can you tell us about your previous experience in leading and managing teams in the financial services industry, particularly in the Asian markets?

I’ve been in the financial services industry itself for almost 11 years, with 9 years of management experience in the Asian region. I started my career in the Swiss banking system as a Sales Manager, then got promoted to Senior Sales Manager and eventually became part of the Senior Management team, taking care of multiple offices in Asia including Hong Kong, Shanghai, Kuala Lumpur and Tokyo.

Q What do you believe are the key trends and challenges currently affecting the financial services industry in Asia, and how would you address them in your role as Head of Asia Markets for the CPT Group?

I believe we should definitely pay attention to the regulatory issues throughout different jurisdictions worldwide, and Asia in particular. We also need to pay close attention to the payment solution challenges we face here. The Crypto industry splash has shaken the Forex markets and created a diversification of the trends in the industry. The other challenge is multiple brokers (old and new brands) who are entering the Asian market. To me any new trend or challenge is just a new indicator of what I should be focusing on, digging into, improving and developing.

Q How do you stay updated on the latest developments and changes in the Asian financial markets? Can you provide examples of how you have applied this knowledge to drive strategic initiatives?

The short answer is: I talk to the right people and spend my time in areas where noteworthy things are happening. I recommend that people localize themselves first and then localize the company they work for - this includes hiring local teams, joining local events, arranging your own events, talking to industry experts, meeting them and gathering insights. Once you have gathered and processed the scope of information you’ve received, start formulating the strategy that will fit your brand the most and then start developing it.

Q As the Head of Asia Markets for CPT Markets, what strategies would you implement to identify and capitalize on new business opportunities in the region?

The no.1 priority should be building a good team, to be passionate, ambitious, loyal and preferably well-connected in the industry. If you are a new brand - go sign up with opinion leaders, co-arrange mutual events, be present with the most powerful media and ensure you have the most attractive and relevant content in place - find partners and build trusting relations with them.

Be ready to go the extra mile, for example if your working week is Mon - Fri from 9am to 6pm - also be active throughout the other two days of the week and be available out of regular working hours. In the FX industry there is no such thing as a day off, or a vacation - your clients need you to be present 24/7.

Q Can you describe your approach to managing relationships with key stakeholders, such as financial institutions, regulators, and industry experts?

Well, when you communicate with any institution or specialist (not only from the financial sphere) you should make sure you are well-prepared, educated, that you know what to expect from them and be clear about what they can expect from you. You should know what to say, and, most importantly, what NOT to say. In my case, I have a sales and business development profile mixed with an international legal education and legal background - this helps a lot in negotiations!

Q What is your vision for the future of the financial markets? How would you leverage digital platforms and emerging technologies to enhance CPT’s reach and engagement in the region and on a global level?

I think companies should pay more attention to the development of artificial intelligence (AI). We have recently observed a big jump in the field of AI. I believe that this will lead to simplification and improvement of many aspects of our day-to-day operations. So, as usual, those who will be the first to pick up and implement the latest trends will have more privileges in this race. That’s one of the reasons we have an outstanding IT department at CPT, and we pay a lot of attention to in-house technical solutions that are in line with the latest market trends and requirements.

CHRISTINA IRACLEOUS