Lisha Qiu, Quantitative Strategist at Virtu Financial, won Rising Star at Markets Media Group’s 2024 Women in Finance (U.S.) Awards.

What is your reaction to winning the Award?

I feel very honored and excited. I’m grateful to my coworkers, and it means a lot to me that they value my work. My passion for what I do has kept me devoted to this industry for years. This award is a big encouragement, and I’ll continue to innovate and contribute to Virtu Financial and the industry as a whole. 

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

Before joining finance, I was a mathematician, where the focus is on conceptual proof and elegance. Finance, by contrast, demands practical solutions that can be implemented. Moving ideas into production is often non-trivial. Also, finance is very quick paced, and it is challenging to achieve fast iterations of work and at the same time keep the quality and depth of research. To overcome these, I stay curious, keep learning, and expose myself to various projects. With more experience, I gain better intuition and judgment to handle these challenges more effectively. 

What do you think are the most important qualities for emerging leaders in financial services to cultivate?

In my view, having a strong vision is the most essential quality. Finance, especially quantitative finance, is a highly technical field that requires a lot of expertise in data analysis, mathematical modeling, and coding. It’s an industry with one of the highest concentrations of professionals with exceptionally strong technical backgrounds. A good leader must have the vision to understand how and where to apply these skills, unlocking the full potential of the team and driving meaningful growth and impact. 

What’s something you’re really proud of and why?

I’m proud that my coworkers regard me as both a creative thinker and a strong collaborator. I strive to foster a culture of positive feedback loops, where ideas, knowledge, and technical skills are shared openly among team members.  In each project, it is always an important goal for me that we build trust and grow together. 

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

It has been exciting to think about how much big AI models can be applied in finance. While concerns about interpretability and risk remain compared to classical approaches, there are already successful examples in the industry as innovative explores. This trend may shape the finance industry faster than we think, and the changes will be revolutionary.

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

It is a blessing if one loves and respects what he or she works on. Reflect on your original motivation and values for being in this industry — they will help you stay positive and oriented during tough times.