Meet a member - Angela Smith LIB QFA

Who do you work for?

I work for Allied Irish Bank in the mortgage change department in Leopardstown.

What do you do?

I work as a Business Analyst in the mortgage change department.

What’s your relationship with IoB?

I joined IoB in 2006 when I worked for a different bank as a Mortgage Advisor. I joined to finish my Qualified Financial Advisor (QFA) Diploma which I completed in 2012. My experience with IoB has been a pleasant one. I have always been able to get support whenever I have needed it. I have a designation of LIB QFA.

How long have you been a member?

I have been a member for the last 13 years.

What do you find most satisfying about your current job?

I work as part of the mortgage change team. Our main goal is to implement efficient processes and controls and for new mortgage products and policies. We also enhance the mortgage system so that our homes advisors give our customers exceptional customer service on their mortgage journey with AIB. Even though I do not engage directly with our mortgage customers I know that the work I do helps our mortgage customers achieve their dreams of owning a home. My job is exciting as it can be so diverse and fast-paced.

What do you find most challenging about your job?

My role is mainly in mortgages and it can be difficult to keep up. The mortgage market is always changing with updates to policies by the Central Bank and it can be competitive.

What’s your favourite thing to do outside of work?

I love cooking for my two lovely kids but don’t tell them I said that! David is 21 and Alicia is 16. Apart from that I love going for long walks in the Ardgillan park and the beach close to where I live. I find it’s the most relaxing thing to do after a day’s work.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

I am sure a few people have said this, but I would love to have Michelle Obama! She seems very down to earth and like the type of person you can have a few drinks with and dance the night away but still talk about really meaningful topics. She is an inspiration to women, very strong mentally and a great mum.

What one thing would you bring to a desert island?

I would bring some sort of a communication device like a satellite phone so I can communicate with my family.

If you could make one change that would make a big difference for everyone working in banking today, what would that be?

It’s hard to generalise this as it’s different from bank to bank. I am not sure if am on the right track, but I think the Irish bank employee market needs to be a bit more diverse ethnically. I think this would bring more ideas and innovation to the banking world.