Rashaan ‘Rash’ Reid, Head of Americas FICC Sales, Bank of America, won Excellence in FICC at Markets Media Group’s 2024 Women in Finance (U.S.) Awards.

What is your reaction to winning the Award?

Winning the Markets Media Excellence in FICC Award is a profound honor, and I am truly humbled. As a woman of color navigating the finance industry and leveraging my 20+ year expertise gained in markets and particularly fixed income markets to best serve clients, this recognition underscores the importance of representation and the continuous effort required to champion diversity & inclusion and because it’s ‘good business.’  I view this award as not only a personal, professional achievement but also a testament to the collective work of those dedicated to creating equitable opportunities in finance. Winning this award inspires me to advocate even more passionately for underrepresented voices in our field, so that they too may have doors opened and sponsorship in their career journeys.  It is my hope that this acknowledgment encourages others, especially young women and individuals from diverse backgrounds, to pursue their dreams and keep growing in their craft without hesitation.

What inspired you to pursue a career in finance?

My journey into finance was deeply influenced by my upbringing in New Orleans, where I became fascinated with how financial knowledge can transform lives. Seeing my family navigate the complexities of financial decisions ignited my passion for demystifying finance for myself and importantly, others.  Intense education and mentorship became my guiding lights as I built my career, revealing that finance plays a crucial role in driving economies, businesses, and also social change. My own experiences in diverse environments fueled my commitment to advocating for inclusivity within the industry.  I truly aspire to break down barriers and open pathways for future generations, ensuring that they feel empowered in their pursuit of successful careers in finance. Additionally, by leveraging my investment expertise, relationships, and financial products acumen, I aim to continue to help our clients achieve their business goals. Legacy wise, I hope to inspire others to unlock their potential within finance, not just for personal success, but to create lasting impacts in their communities.

What challenges have you faced in your career, and how did you overcome them?

My career journey has not been without challenges, particularly as I navigate an industry that has lacked consistent diverse representation as its norm. To counter this, I have actively sought mentorship and built alliances with colleagues and leaders who have an appreciation for my journey, are allies, and support my professional goals so that I can be effective in leveraging my skills to deliver for clients. By fostering meaningful relationships within my organization and the broader finance community, I have been able to leverage my voice while also experiencing growth in my opportunity set.  Additionally, I committed myself to continuous learning, which enhances my skills and insights to deliver unique business contributions. Remaining resilient and embracing the importance of collaboration have been keys to growth as well.  Along the way, I’ve focused not only on overcoming my obstacles but also on uplifting others who face similar challenges, so that we can progress together.  

What FICC trends do you find most exciting, and how do you see them shaping the industry in the next few years?

There are several market structure changes happening in the world of FICC that will continue to change liquidity within markets and the investment opportunity set, one being the continued evolution of the FICC portfolio trading, algo, ETF, and risk transfer engine complex.  Additionally, I believe that we are just on the brink of how AI can be incorporated into markets which will change the speed in which we generate and deliver quality investment ideas as well as execution.    

What advice do you have for others looking to break into the industry, especially those from diverse backgrounds?

For those aspiring to enter the financial services sector, especially individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, my key piece of advice is to remain bold and persistent in your journey. Seek mentorship and actively build your professional network; these connections are invaluable for navigating the industry. Finding role models who can guide and advocate for you is crucial. Additionally, invest in your education and skills—stay curious and open to continuous learning, as knowledge is a powerful asset in a competitive and evolving field. Do not underestimate the unique perspectives you bring; a diversity of perspectives can influence industry outcomes and its opportunity set. Lastly, embrace resilience—there will be hurdles, but each challenge presents an opportunity for growth and evolution. Trust that your voice matters and that your contributions can enrich the financial community. Together, we can work towards a more inclusive industry that is representative of the diverse world we serve.