Sinead English / Northern Trust

Northern Trust has serviced Irish clients since 1989, setting-up its Dublin office in 2000. Today, it is one of Ireland's largest fund administrators and custodians, supporting sophisticated global investors across a full spectrum of asset classes and strategies. Northern Trust in Ireland provides fund administration, global custody, depositary and middle office services to fund managers and institutional investors worldwide, including traditional and alternative asset managers, insurance companies and multinational pension funds.

Sinead English, Technical Coordinator, Custody Client Services at Northern Trust shares insights on her role in Northern Trust.

 

I completed a BA in Economics and Geography in University College Cork in 2018, followed by a Master’s Degree in Financial Services in University College Limerick in 2019.

I applied for multiple roles within Northern Trust and interviewed for a Tax analyst position. While unsuccessful in this role, I was put forward for a Client Service Representative role. I completed the interview process in December 2019 and joined Northern Trust in January 2020.

I worked as a Client Service Representative for a year and nine months, was then promoted to Senior Client Service Representative in September 2021 and in February 2023 was promoted to my current role, Technical Coordinator.

Each day starts with checking the emails received overnight into personal and shared mailboxes. We have multiple morning reports which need to be completed on review of client accounts.

We have a team huddle each morning to discuss any queries or topics outstanding. The majority of the day is spent answering client and internal teams queries via email and telephone.

As we are the first point of contact for the clients within the bank, we receive queries relating to cash, trade, FX’s, reporting and many more.

We have bi-weekly or monthly client service calls with the Relationship Manager/ Client Service Manager and client contacts. On these calls there is typically a call log of the topics discussed.

We have 1:1 meetings with our direct reports on a bi-weekly basis and I also have 1:1 meetings with my manager to discuss my development.

Northern Trust offers a range of additional training courses which provide the opportunity to learn new skills or develop new approaches to the daily role.

I would say the best part of my job is exposure to comprehensive knowledge of the investment operations sector. As part of the Custody Client Services team we have the opportunity to work with multiple different departments and people within Northern Trust.

I am a member of the Privacy and Risk Committee in our department. We continuously work on initiatives to reduce risk in our day to day tasks. In this industry it is imperative to eliminate as much risk where possible to positively impacts both our department and the client themselves.

Northern Trust employs over 1,400 employees in Limerick.

The location of the Northern Trust office has aided in the expansion of bus routes in Limerick.

Northern Trust Limerick was awarded Smarter Travel Workplace of the Year in 2017.

Northern Trust works closely with University College Limerick and Technological University of the Shannon providing tours and presentations to students as well as taking a number of Co-Op students. Northern Trust hires many graduates in Limerick encouraging positive growth for local companies.

In May 2022, Northern Trust signed up to the Irish Women in Finance Charter. The company has set a goal of improving female representation at senior levels from 44% to 48% by December 2025. 

The Northern Trust Institutional Investor Reporting Site allowing clients to log in and view their accounts, while also providing access to a number of cash and stock reports.

Clients can process payments and receipts for their accounts via a Northern Trust cash movement system that the client can access directly.

Northern Trust enables clients to self-serve where possible through a range of technological supports.

By having a designated Custody Client Services team, each client has one contact they can reach out to with their queries. The Custody Client Services team then reach out to the appropriate team within Northern Trust that can best address the query. 

It is very rewarding to feel as though we are making our client’s life easier - working in the financial sector is fast paced and risky, so any way we can make a positive impact is worthwhile.

Northern Trusts core principals are Service, Expertise and Integrity since its founding in 1889. We focus on working to build trusting relationships with our clients and internal partners.

There is great focus on professional development with the company, from 1:1 meetings with your manager to countless training courses available to help upskill. There is a positive culture adapted and we are constantly uplifted by our peers and management. 

This is a fast paced environment which can sometimes be stressful so ensure you contain a good work/life balance. Never stop learning and trying to keep up with emerging trends. Network as much as possible as you never know when you might need to call on one of our connections. 

Northern Trust managed its business operations to achieve carbon neutrality for the first time in 2022. As of Dec. 31, 2022, Northern Trust reduced its energy consumption by more than 30 percent compared to a 2019 baseline.

In 2022, Northern Trust worked with Climate Vault to reduce carbon emissions through a two-step approach. Northern Trust commits to reach net-zero carbon by 2050. Northern Trust believes in transparency, accountability and continuous improvement. We have adopted the UN Global Compact principles and UN Sustainable Development Goals.

 

Over 430 financial service companies operate in Ireland.  The financial services sector is a large scale employer, contributing the Irish economy.

These companies work with third level institutions all over the country, promoting employment opportunities. They also contribute to local charities and fund raising opportunities and contribute to local communities.

 

The financial sector is an essential component of the economy. This sector offers great career progression, opportunities and diverse networking and learning pathways.