Markets Media spoke with Serene Cai, Head of Securities Trading at SGX, who won Excellence in Sell-Side Trading at the 2024 Women in Finance Asia Awards.

What was your reaction to winning the award?

Winning this award is both an immense honour and a delightful surprise. I am deeply humbled to be acknowledged among such distinguished company. At the same time, I am also proud that my experience and contributions have been recognised by the advisory board. This award is extra meaningful as it not only highlights my efforts but also signifies the broader recognition of the valuable role exchanges play in the financial ecosystem.

What have been the main drivers of your success?

Having a career in finance is incredibly exciting due to its fast-moving landscape and the constant developments it brings. However, this dynamic environment also comes with every evolving challenges and as such, the key attributes that have served me well include a strong desire to keep learning, the determination to persevere and the ability to see ideas and projects through to fruition.

I have been fortunate to have had exceptional role models at SGX Group who have inspired and guided me throughout my journey. From each of them, I have gained invaluable skills and characteristics that have been crucial in my personal and professional development. Their influence has been instrumental in shaping my career, and this recognition is as much a testament to their mentorship as it is to my own efforts.

What are the challenges facing market participants when it comes to trading?

Market participants today must navigate a multitude of factors that add layers of complexity to an already intricate environment. Macroeconomic influences stemming from global events can have widespread and unpredictable impacts. When combined with the rapid pace of technological advancements and evolving regulatory requirements, the landscape becomes even more complex, creating a dynamic environment with many moving pieces.

In Asia, the situation is further complicated by the region’s fragmented markets, making it essential to understand how changes in each market affect liquidity sourcing and risk management. This underscores the importance of staying abreast of developments, accurately reading market signals and adapting swiftly to maintain a competitive edge.

What are some of your professional achievements?

I began my career with SGX Group in 2005, starting in the Regulation department. In 2010, I moved to the Derivatives unit. During this period, SGX expanded its derivatives franchise, growing from equities to commodities and then to foreign exchange. I am delighted to have been part of that growth journey, as the company expanded its product suite, distribution channels, and implemented significant platform changes such as Titan-DT and Titan-OTC to enhance the trading experience for our clients.

I felt a great sense of achievement when I successfully helped SGX establish its US office in 2017. The three years I spent in the US were pivotal for my development, as I expanded my knowledge and skills in dealing with a global clientele. This is a significant milestone in establishing SGX’s footprint in the US as one of the few Asian exchanges to have a presence there. With great anticipation, I returned to Singapore to lead the securities trading team covering cash equities and products. This role allows me to leverage on my accumulated experience and skills to contribute to the stock market. In the last four years, my team and I achieved momentum in expanding our product shelf, bringing to market innovative and relevant products such as ETF Product Link, Singapore Depository Receipts and Structured Certificates. In recognition of these product innovations, SGX Securities won the Best SP and Derivatives Exchange in the SRP Asia Pacific Awards 2024.

What’s your favourite aspect of working at SGX Group?

My favourite aspect of working at SGX Group is the multifaceted exposure that I get from being at an international exchange in Asia. The exchange plays an important role as a core market infrastructure in capital markets, and is very much about building an ecosystem. The understanding and orchestration from products to platform, working with intermediaries to driving clients flows, and being able take in the views of different stakeholders and achieving the optimal outcome for the ecosystem keep me motivated and excited about what I do every day!

What are your future goals?

It is my goal to further advance the development of the Singapore securities market, and to bring it to greater heights. There is much more that we can do and it is also my wish to be able to lead the team on a successful journey.

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

I believe that that it is important to have self-belief in your skills and knowledge and have the courage to assert and advocate for your point of view. Having a growth mindset enables you to stay in the long game by expanding your borders and embracing challenges as opportunities to be seized. Always enjoy the journey and stay passionate!