When it comes to leading in a capital markets role, expect an ever changing, fast-paced environment that can push you beyond your comfort zone. This is exactly what attracted David Tilson, Head of Capital Markets with Cantor Fitzgerald Ireland and Certified Bank Director, to working in the field. We speak with David about his career, current role and advice for those beginning a career in financial services.
When I finished my BComm I joined NCB Stockbrokers in a back office role (Settlements) in 1990 and progressed onto the bond desk in the Front Office a couple of years later. I joined Bank of Ireland (who were a client of mine) in June 2000, working in the Markets area in a variety of roles. My final role there was Head of Markets where I was responsible for a team of 35 dealers in Dublin, London and New York. I joined Cantor Fitzgerald Ireland in 2023 as Head of Capital Markets and I’m responsible for the Institutional Debt, Institutional Equity, Structured Product and Credit Union businesses.
It’s a fast paced, dynamic environment that is constantly changing. You find yourself at the coalface of economic, market and, increasingly, political developments.
The glib answer is that there really is no ‘typical’ day however there are some constants – at desk for 7:15, daily morning meeting at 7:40, US economic releases at 13:30 most days.
It’s a wide brief and joining any new business throws you out of your comfort zone for a while. However, the company, Cantor Fitzgerald Ireland is in a a very good place, has been growing strongly but also has massive potential. We’ve big ambitions for the business and are making a significant investment in people and technology. So, I’d regard these as ‘good’ challenges unlike some of the other kind I’ve encountered during my career!
AI is going to be a massive disruptor to many industries and financial services will be no different. I see huge potential opportunities to safely integrate AI into our daily workload and hopefully freeing up time and resources to provide real value to our customers.
Yes! Financial Services firms operate in one of the most heavily regulated industries globally, but aside from the ‘compliance’ aspects there’s also huge personal value in continuing to develop new skills andin constantly staying abreast of developments.
A very simple piece of advice that I have found very effective is to do a personal check at the end of every week – I know I’ve worked hard but have I really achieved something this week or just been a ‘busy fool’?
Find an area you love and really go for it. Never be afraid to ask for assistance as people generally are only too happy to make the time and take the effort to help.
Looking to begin or advance your career in financial services? From early career to executive education, IOB’s portfolio of over 40 UCD accredited programmes can help you to strengthen your expertise or broaden your skillset.