Can you tell me about your journey into the securities finance industry?
I began my journey into finance as an intern at J.P. Morgan during my final year studying Business Economics at the University of Liverpool. I had always been curious about financial markets and how economies functioned beneath the surface, so naturally, a career in banking appealed to me. I was eager to join a team where I could combine my technical mindset with a proactive, entrepreneurial approach to problem-solving.
During my internship, I joined the buy side trading services sales team — an area that was both unfamiliar and fascinating to me at the time. I was drawn to the dynamic nature of securities finance, where client relationships, technology, and markets intersect. After graduating, I joined the team full-time, and what started as curiosity has grown into deep engagement and purpose.
Since then, I have built expertise across securities lending, margin services, and tokenised assets — a space that is constantly evolving. As I have grown in the role, so too have my responsibilities: earlier this year, I was promoted from analyst to associate, a milestone that has come with greater ownership of client relationships and the opportunity to contribute more strategically to the desk.
One of the proudest moments of my journey so far has been receiving the Rising Star award from Íø±¬³Ô¹Ï Finance Times. It was an honour to be recognised by peers in the industry, and it further fuelled my motivation to continue to make meaningful contributions in the years ahead.
As a young professional, what aspects of your role or the industry do you find most exciting?
What I find most exciting is the unique blend of technical knowledge and market insight required to succeed in this space. Íø±¬³Ô¹Ï lending is inherently reactive to both micro and macro factors — whether that is rate changes, corporate action cycles, or geopolitical shifts — and that makes every day different.
Working alongside our trading desks, I have developed a strong understanding of these factors, enabling me to interpret market drivers and consider how they translate into commercial opportunities for clients. This curiosity led me to pursue and pass Level I of the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) programme earlier this year.
I enjoy working on client pitches, where you are not just explaining a product but contextualising it within market conditions, and find a lot of value in helping clients navigate an evolving landscape. A recent highlight has been supporting clients in the Middle East as they build out lending programmes — it is a region undergoing rapid transformation, and being part of that has been fascinating.
The industry’s event calendar also brings a unique energy to the role. Industry events, like those organised by Íø±¬³Ô¹Ï Finance Times, bring spirit and connectivity that fuel ideas and relationships — both of which are essential in a fast-moving environment.
Many companies offer various training and development opportunities for their employees. How has your company supported your growth?
I have been fortunate to work in an environment that encourages development from day one. One standout experience has been the opportunity to travel to New York and connect with my global peer group — not just for networking, but to gain insight into how our markets and client priorities differ regionally. It has also been valuable to hear from senior leaders across functions, providing insights drawn from decades of experience.
Beyond those experiences, the most meaningful growth has come through hands-on exposure and the trust my team has placed in me to take ownership early on. Being empowered to contribute to live client discussions and work closely with internal stakeholders — from trading to legal — has helped me build a more rounded skill set and a clearer view of how market dynamics influence decision-making.
What misconceptions about working in the financial industry have you encountered, and how do you address these challenges?
One common misconception is that a career in finance means being glued to a desk all day, crunching numbers in isolation. While there is certainly a technical side to what we do, the reality is far more dynamic.
Sales in securities finance is inherently people-focused. I am regularly out meeting clients and prospects, attending industry events, or travelling, to engage with partners and develop new business. There is also a strong commercial element, where you are thinking not just about what is happening in the market, but how to translate that into value for clients — a sudden market movement, even a single stock fluctuation, can demand you to recalibrate pricing assumptions and update revenue projections — that kind of responsiveness, being close to the markets and working collaboratively to solve challenges in real time, is what makes the job so rewarding.
Looking ahead, where do you see yourself in the next five years in terms of your career goals and aspirations?
Looking ahead, I want to continue to deepen my market knowledge — both my technical expertise and commercial instinct. Pursuing the full CFA charter is part of that, but I also hope to expand the breadth of my experience across different asset classes, client types, and regions.
I am particularly interested in taking on more strategic responsibility within client relationships — contributing to pricing negotiations, anticipating market shifts, and helping shape our response to them. Over time, I would love to build a role that is increasingly focused on interpreting the markets for clients, not just reacting to them, while continuing to be someone my team can rely on to keep them close to key market trends and developments, and to shape how we respond as an organisation.
I am also passionate about helping others grow. Supporting early-career industry members and contributing to a collaborative team culture is something I care about deeply, and I see that continuing to be a core part of my career.
In my role at J.P. Morgan, I have had the opportunity to work within Íø±¬³Ô¹Ï Services — a somewhat niche, yet fascinating business within the bank which offers great potential to new industry entrants. This has allowed me to enjoy helping others discover and understand the business, further fuelling my commitment to mentorship and collaboration.
What advice do you have for other young professionals aspiring to pursue a career in your industry?
Be curious. Always say yes to new opportunities, even if they seem outside your comfort zone — that is often where the best growth happens. Take the initiative to learn about the industry, ask questions, and get involved in as much as you can.
More importantly: be yourself. You will be spending eight hours a day — often more — with your team, so authenticity matters. People want to work with colleagues who are genuine and approachable. Building strong relationships is not just good for your career — it also makes the day-to-day far more enjoyable.
Jordan Howie bio
Jordan Howie is an associate on the buy side trading services sales desk at J.P. Morgan, in London. He joined the firm full-time in 2022 following a summer internship, having studied Business Economics at the University of Liverpool.
With a strong interest in markets, he passed Level I of the CFA earlier this year, and continues to develop his understanding across markets and asset types. He was recently awarded the Rising Star award by Íø±¬³Ô¹Ï Finance Times. Outside of work, Howie likes to run, read, and travel.
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Image: Jordan Howie 