Can you tell me about your journey into the securities finance industry?
My journey into the securities finance industry was not a conventional one but it has been shaped by a strong legal foundation and a willingness to embrace unexpected opportunities. I hold both a Bachelor鈥檚 and a Master鈥檚 degree in Law and Practice and initially envisaged a traditional legal career.
After university, I joined the world鈥檚 largest custodian bank as an investment management paralegal, which was my initial exposure and entry into the finance industry. The role provided invaluable exposure to the intersection of law, regulation, and investment management.
The trajectory of my 鈥榯raditional鈥� legal career journey shifted when an opportunity arose to join the International Capital Market Association (ICMA) as an associate in the Market Practice and Regulatory Policy team. This marked an unexpected but formative entry into the financial and regulatory realm. Working closely with market participants and regulators deepened my understanding of securities finance, market practice, and the evolving regulatory landscape.
What began as an unplanned move into finance ultimately became a deliberate career choice, allowing me to combine my legal expertise with a broader regulatory and market-focused perspective.
As a young professional, what aspects of your role or the industry do you find most exciting?
The dynamic, ever-changing and closely connected to the stability and efficiency of global markets, makes this space exciting. The pace of regulatory, structural, and market developments means that there is always something new to learn, keeping the work both challenging and engaging.
My role offers strong opportunities for career development and exposure to a wide range of market participants and topics, from regulation and market practice to broader industry policies and initiatives. That diversity of learning, combined with the ability to contribute to meaningful industry discussions, makes the role particularly rewarding at this stage of my career.
Many companies offer various training and development opportunities for their employees. How has your company supported your growth?
ICMA has been highly supportive of my professional growth, placing a strong emphasis on continuous learning and development. The organisation offers an extensive range of education and training courses covering capital markets, securities finance, repo, and regulatory developments, which has allowed me to build both technical knowledge and practical market insight alongside my day-to-day role.
In addition to formal education, ICMA actively supports my longer-term career development by encouraging the progression of my legal qualifications. This support has enabled me to continue developing my legal expertise while applying it directly to market practice and regulatory policy work, creating a well-rounded and highly relevant skill set.
The combination of structured education, exposure to market participants, and genuine support for individual career paths has been instrumental in helping me grow both professionally and personally.
What misconceptions about working in the financial industry have you encountered, and how do you address these challenges?
A misconception is that the industry is inaccessible to those without a traditional finance background. My own journey demonstrates that skills developed through legal experience, such as analytical thinking, drafting, and regulatory interpretation are highly transferable and valued within financial markets.
A more common misconception about working in the industry is that it comes at the expense of work/life balance. My experience at ICMA shows that this is not necessarily the case. The organisation promotes open dialogue, inclusive working practices, and a culture that recognises the importance of wellbeing, both mental and physical.
Finding the right balance is also a personal responsibility. Setting boundaries and managing pressure is something each of us must actively engage in, regardless of sector. Creating healthier workplaces is a joint effort between individuals and organisations, supported by open discussion, wellbeing initiatives, and a commitment to creating a healthy work/life balance.
What advice do you have for other young professionals aspiring to pursue a career in your industry?
Approach your career with curiosity, resilience, and a strong sense of ownership over your development. The learning curve can be steep, but consistency and determination make a real difference. Take initiative, stay engaged, and look for opportunities to build your skill set 鈥� career progression rarely happens by chance.
Do not be afraid to ask questions or seek guidance when you need it. Open communication with colleagues and managers, combined with a willingness to accept and act on feedback, is essential to long-term growth.
Equally important is staying true to yourself. Authenticity matters and your individual background and perspective are strengths, not limitations. There is no single route to success as one person鈥檚 route may not necessarily be the right route for you.
Careers are shaped over time through small decisions and experiences. Embrace setbacks as part of the process, remain adaptable, and make the most of every opportunity that comes your way. Your journey will be unique. Own it and allow it to evolve.
Looking ahead, where do you see yourself in the next five years in terms of your career goals and aspirations?
I aim to have completed the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) and have qualified as a lawyer, specialising in the financial regulatory space. Building on my legal foundation, I would like to continue expanding my technical knowledge of financial markets and deepen my understanding of the evolving regulatory landscape.
Alongside this, I hope to play an increasingly active role in supporting and shaping market practice, making meaningful contributions to the work of ICMA. Being able to combine legal expertise with practical market insight to support efficient, resilient, and well-functioning markets is a long-term aspiration and one I am keen to continue developing.
Sabah Anjum Bio
Sabah Anjum joined as an associate in the Market Practice and Regulatory Policy division at the International Capital Market Association in January 2025. In her role, she contributes to market practice initiatives and regulatory policy work, assisting senior directors who support the relationship and dialogue between market participants and regulators across the capital markets landscape.
She holds a Bachelor鈥檚 degree in Law and a Master鈥檚 degree in Law and Practice, and has completed the Legal Practice Course (LPC). Anjum brings five years of paralegal experience to her current position. Her professional background includes in-house and financial services experience and has a strong interest in financial regulation, market practice, and the continued development of efficient and resilient markets.
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