Professional Certification Case Study – Samantha MacKay

Samantha MacKay, Senior Manager – Market Data and Supplier Governance Analyst, Macquarie Asset Management Sydney

This is a case study of Samantha MacKay’s experience pursuing FISD Professional Certifications.

This case study has been edited for length and clarity. If you’re interested in discussing your experience with FISD Certifications in a case study, please contact Adam Stanton, Manager, Professional Development.

Why did you choose to invest in FISD Professional Certifications?

To enrich and review my understanding of Market Data concepts.

What benefits have you seen since completing your FISD Certifications?

The [certification] assisted me to identify areas and concepts that I need to further develop and increase my exposure in.

What are some examples of real business results that have occurred since your FISD Professional Certification?

Since completing the FISD [FIA certification] there have been a handful of Market Data concepts that have come across my desk that I previously wouldn’t have been able to add a lot of value to, such as ISIN and ISO standards and ESG data points. The course increased my basic understanding of these concepts that I was then able to apply in my day-to-day role.

What is your advice to those considering FISD Professional Certification?

If you’re working in the Market Data, Data, Data Technology or Trading space I would recommend completing this [certification] to assist in supporting your foundational understanding of the core concepts and/or test your knowledge to do your role properly.

I would highly encourage those who are early or even experienced in their role to [get the FIA certification], particularly given the data space Is constantly evolving and changing and is a good way to keep up with trends, test your knowledge and/or build understanding.

Trusted by institutions, governments, foundations and individuals to manage approximately $A892 billion in assets, we provide a diverse range of investment solutions including real assets, real estate, credit and equities & multi-asset.
MAM is part of Macquarie Group, a diversified financial group providing clients with asset management, finance, banking, advisory and risk and capital solutions across debt, equity, and commodities.
*Figures as at 30 September 2023

Professional Certification Case Study – Taurance Robnett

Taurance Robnett, Co-Founder and CEO, Vema Data

This is a case study of Taurance Robnett’s experience pursuing FISD Professional Certifications.

If you’re interested in discussing your experience with FISD Certifications in a case study, please contact Adam Stanton, Manager, Professional Development.

Why did you choose to invest in FISD Professional Certifications?

I had worked in Market Data for several years at Vanguard and had no idea of the world that existed outside of my team. I wanted to create a solution that could help all Market Data Teams provide more value to the business instead of just a task taker. However, I knew I needed to get a better baseline understanding of Market Data if I wanted to build a solution. This is why I set out to take the FIA certification.

What benefits have you seen since completing your FISD Certifications?

I have been able to connect with multiple clients and Market Data Managers outside of what I learned from Vanguard. I am now able to speak the lingo and have in depth conversations highlighting my credibility in the field.

I have also been able to connect with other FIA certificate holders from around the globe and talk with them about what works and what doesn’t when it comes to managing Market Data.

What are some examples of real business results that have occurred since your FISD Professional Certification?

Utilizing my knowledge gained from the FIA certification I was able to help a company find $300k+ in cost savings. In addition to this I was able to highlight how the importance of proper data governance is crucial when it comes to managing Market Data.

I have been able to revamp elements of our tool based on FISD guidelines and information obtained from the FIA certification.

What is your advice to those considering FISD Professional Certification?

You may think you have a great understanding of Market Data, but there will always be areas that you are not as well versed on. The FIA certification gives you an unbelievable baseline to start or revamp your Market Data Knowledge. Additionally, the FIA certification sets you apart as it’s clear you have a great baseline across the entire Market Data Ecosystem.

In my opinion, Market Data is an integral part of the business and will only become more important in the future. If you can get ahead of the crowd by obtaining the FIA or other FISD certifications now, you will position yourself for a great career trajectory.

Vema Data helps small to medium sized asset managers modernize their Market Data management, ensuring firms scale with technology and not just personnel growth.

Professional Certification Case Study – Bernard Schut

May 15, 2024

Bernard Schut, Business Director, BIQH

This is a case study of Bernard Schut’s experience pursuing FISD Professional Certifications. Bernard Schut is Business Director at BIQH. His bio can be found here, and articles he has written for BIQH can be found here. If you’re interested in discussing your experience with FISD Certifications in a case study, please contact Adam Stanton, Manager, Professional Development.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Why did you choose to invest in FISD Professional Certifications?

I want to be a thought leader in the market data industry. This requires having knowledge about all the aspects of market data, ranging from the industry players to data licensing to the technologies being used. Furthermore, I wanted to make sure I know all the ins and outs of market data, including the terminology being used.

What benefits have you seen since completing your FISD Certifications?

Firstly, it has become a driver for my colleagues to obtain FISD Certifications as well. This is really important since I believe (especially young) colleagues should have a basic knowledge about market data. Secondly, it especially helped me to understand data licenses better. Finally, of course I broadened my knowledge and I am pretty sure now I can talk about all aspects of market data with my customers, prospects and partners.

What are some examples of real business results that have occurred since your FISD Professional Certification?

I improved our sales and marketing collateral by using the right terminology and explanations like those set out in the FISD certifications. Secondly, we improved the knowledge about market data within our company. Finally, especially the DLS Certification helped me to interpret market data licenses way faster and better.

What is your advice to those considering FISD Professional Certification?

The FISD Certifications helped me to be on top of market data knowledge and industry trends.

I recommend FISD Certifications to everybody who is entering the market data industry, the FIA certification is a must-have.

 

BIQH is a provider of market data management as a solution and as a service. BIQH helps financial institutions to solve their market data spaghetti and to become vendor independent.