Can you tell me about your journey into the securities finance industry?
My journey began in 2018 when I joined Clearstream as an intern in the sales and relationship management team for our Global Funding and Financing (GFF) business, as it was then called. While the space fascinated me immediately, I quickly realised that an internship in such an intricate ecosystem only scratches the surface. I wanted to understand the machinery from the ground up — the operational mechanics, the underlying flows, and the technical plumbing. That drive led me to start my full-time career in GFF Operations, where I spent two foundational years laying that groundwork.
From there, I transitioned into a broader business role, spending nearly four years navigating audit, compliance, and product governance across our products in Collateral, Lending and Liquidity Solutions. This combination of operational and regulatory experience gave me a broad understanding of how market infrastructure works in practice. Today, I am back in a client-facing role, responsible for business development for our Collateral, Lending and Liquidity Solutions across central and northern Europe.
As a young professional, what aspects of your role or the industry do you find most exciting?
Definitely the variety and the pace. No two days look the same, and you cannot simply work off a predictable routine. In our space, you constantly have to adapt to new market developments, shifting liquidity needs, and fresh challenges from clients.
That dynamic is what makes my role so rewarding. Being in direct dialogue with clients, building trust over time, and understanding their actual pain points means we can develop products that genuinely make their day-to-day work easier and more efficient. When a client is happy and business grows as a natural result of good collaboration, that is just a great feeling.
Many companies offer various training and development opportunities for their employees. How has your company supported your growth?
I have been very lucky with my managers and teams from day one. Looking back, starting out in operations was one of the best decisions I have made, especially for my current role. It makes working with colleagues across different internal departments so much easier because you understand where they are coming from.
During my transition into my current position, I have had the privilege of working alongside some of the most respected figures in our industry, who have helped me grow into my current role. Being trusted to take over my current area of responsibility from one of them is a real honour and something I do not take for granted.
On top of that, I have been able to take advantage of dedicated training and networking opportunities together with other emerging leaders from across Clearstream’s parent company, Deutsche Börse Group. This has allowed me to build up a great cross-entity network and even to spend time with our treasury team to see what a trader’s day really looks like. Formal industry training is always supported here, but the biggest factor for my personal growth has simply been having experienced colleagues who share their knowledge openly and give you room to learn.
What misconceptions about working in the financial industry have you encountered, and how do you address these challenges?
The idea that finance is all about cold numbers. A common misconception is that our industry is purely analytical, dry, and driven solely by numbers. While financial logic and technical structures matter, business development is fundamentally about people, empathy, and listening closely to what clients actually need. There is so much room for genuine human connection, creativity, and trust.
I approach these challenges first and foremost by creating an open, supportive atmosphere. In my own team and across departments, I want an approachable culture where no question is silly, successes are celebrated together, and people naturally help each other out when workloads peak.
When talking to people outside of our industry, I like to share what our work environment is really like: collaborative, welcoming, and grounded in mutual respect rather than outdated stereotypes. On top of that, I love supporting younger colleagues and encouraging different perspectives, showing that you can build a successful career in finance while staying grounded, kind, and team-oriented.
What advice do you have for other young professionals aspiring to pursue a career in your industry?
Stay curious, be brave, and do not fear the deep end. In German, we often talk about ‘ins kalte Wasser springen’ — jumping into cold water. That sensation can feel daunting, but it is precisely where real professional growth takes root.
You do not need to possess all of the answers or master every nuanced acronym on day one. So much of what makes someone exceptional in securities finance is learnt in real time — often from stepping through ambiguity and learning candidly from mistakes. Approach unfamiliar challenges with an open mind, ask questions without hesitation, and raise your hand for projects that stretch your comfort zone. When technical curiosity is matched with courage, the right doors invariably open.
Looking ahead, where do you see yourself in the next five years in terms of your career goals and aspirations?
Looking forward, I want to take on even broader strategic responsibility, driving commercial initiatives that deliver tangible value for market participants and modernise market infrastructure at scale.
At the same time, people and leadership are very close to my heart. Because I know how much a supportive team shaped my own path, I want to give that back by mentoring younger colleagues and helping talent grow. Ultimately, I want to be someone who delivers strong business results while fostering an open, modern, and empathetic work culture.
Sarah Prokopp Bio
Originally from a small town between Frankfurt and Mannheim in the German state of Hesse, Sarah Prokopp's path took a brief detour to northern Germany for school before drawing her back south. She earned her Bachelor of Arts at the University of Mannheim and completed her Master’s at the University of Trier.
Eager to explore the corporate world, Prokopp joined Clearstream in nearby Luxembourg as an intern – and is delighted to still call it home today – now leading business development for Collateral, Lending and Liquidity Solutions across Central and Northern Europe.
Outside of work, she is a proud mother of two wonderful children, an enthusiastic skier, and deeply inspired by literature, art, architecture, and interior design.
Image: Sarah Prokopp 