Nataliya Bershova, Head of Equity Electronic Trading at Truist Securities, won Excellence in Trading – Equities at Markets Media Group’s 2024 Women in Finance (U.S.) Awards.

What was your reaction to winning the award?

Winning the award was a deeply gratifying and humbling experience. It felt like a validation of years of hard work, innovation, and dedication to my field. I was proud, not just for myself, but for everyone who has supported and inspired me along the way. More than anything, it was a reminder of the impact we can have when we combine passion with perseverance.

What have been the main drivers of your success?

Main drivers of my career success come from a mix of my passion for market microstructure and a mindset geared toward innovation and problem-solving. This combination has helped me develop trading solutions and integrating them with emerging technologies. My career in equity trading began with my Ph.D. thesis on equity market microstructure, which provided an intellectual foundation for understanding complex market dynamics. Over the span of 18 years, I have held equity quant trading roles across both buy-side and sell-side desks, gaining exposure to trading global equity fundamental and systematic flows. This has given me a 360-degree view of the specific challenges faced by both buy-side and sell-side desks. I have also learned that evolving technology is a key driver of innovation in the trading landscape.

What are the projects in equity trading that excite you?

I joined Truist Securities about a year ago with a mandate to expand equity electronic trading, focusing on enhancing execution capabilities and driving innovation in this critical area. I am leading the integration of in-house retail and institutional liquidity with the best-in-class technology to optimize execution quality for our clients. I have always been passionate about greenfield projects, and my Truist team shares the same drive for building and strengthening our brand in equity trading. What excites me the most in my work is the opportunity to innovate and solve complex challenges in a constantly evolving industry. I’m passionate about leveraging technology and market insights to design solutions that improve execution quality and deliver real value to clients.

What’s your advice to the next generation of women in finance?

Continuously develop your skills and deepen your understanding of the industry, always with a sharp focus on delivering high-quality results. Embrace your expertise, build confidence in your abilities, and seek out opportunities to grow. The finance industry can be challenging, but resilience and adaptability will help you overcome obstacles and thrive in dynamic environments. Do not be afraid to try new things and show that your ideas have value. Look for roles that align with your values and aspirations.