An optimistic approach to investment banking

Episode summary

As the Head of the Banking Division and Investment Bank at RMB, Emrie believes that data analytics is an opportunity to engage with clients, become their trusted advisers and offer them a different perspective on their business. RMB clients should see data analytics as a unique offering to get a better understanding of their industries, while RMB in turn can unlock new business opportunities, making it a win-win situation for both parties.

Initially data analytics was more of a back-office role to help with things such as support and enablement. In the credit space, there’s so much more that data can be used for says Emrie. With the onset of COVID-19, RMB began to reassess how it looks at credit. In the past, historical financials were used to try and predict the future, but now data plays a critical part in ensuring more real-time information is readily available. RMB plans to appoint a Head of Data Analytics who will span the broader banking division, allowing this skillset to become part of the team and embed it into the different business units.

Currently only 15-20% of data science positions are filled by females. In the corporate and investment banking world, times are changing. RMB’s management team now consists of 40% females, going forward. Emrie believes that it is critical to start at grassroots level by engaging with students at schools and universities about what it means to be a woman in a traditional male dominated industry. With the correct sponsorship and mentoring, these students will have role models to look up to, enabling them the opportunity to showcase their expertise, it willalso pave the way towards leadership positions in specific areas such as data science. As the saying goes – “If I can see her, I can be her.”