Mark John Abeleda
Business Trainer - Global Banking and Markets
HSBC Electronic Data Processing Philippines. Inc.

I graduated with an Arts degree in 2005 and worked as a teacher and an advertising practitioner. However, in 2008 I decided to switch careers and joined HSBC – first as a contact centre executive, then as a disputes analyst. My real break came when I joined the Global Private Banking back office team in 2012. A chance conversation with one of our managers introduced me to the Investment Operations Certificate (IOC) sponsorship programme which our firm offered. I did not meet the tenure requirements at the time, but I was determined to enter the programme. I requested for the introductory module and started to self-study. I qualified for the business sponsorship and I passed my first paper in the operations qualification pathway. Since then I have not looked back. I achieved the Certificate in Investment Operations within a year, and two years later passed the Advanced Certificate in Global Securities Operations (AGSO).

Having had no previous background in banking and financial services, the skills and knowledge I gained from IOC and AGSO, were instrumental in ensuring I was well-equipped for my role in GPB operations as an Assistant Manager for Cash Management and Treasury Support (UK & Luxembourg). I found myself able to carry out meaningful, relevant conversations with our onshore partners, BSMs and Treasury Dealers in London (PBGB), as well as with stakeholders in the Luxembourg Private Bank (PBLU). I was able to better understand not only the technical side, but also the managerial, risk and control aspects of the business – distinguishing me significantly from my colleagues.

My CISI certifications and membership status also helped me secure a new role as Business Trainer with Global Banking and Markets, where I continue to make full use of my qualifications. I am currently revising for my diploma paper (Global Operations Management) and hope to complete this within the year.

CISI has definitely transformed my career in significant ways, and I would go so far as to say that any serious financial services practitioner definitely needs to have a CISI qualification under their belt.