As Managing Director of Nasdaq’s Marketplace Technology business in Southeast Asia Pacific, Virginie Barbot has spent her career embracing challenges and having a solution-oriented mind.Virginie has gained experience in a wide variety of areas ranging from digital transformation to data analytics, which has allowed her to understand the needs of her clients and ensure they are always prioritized.
Please tell us about yourself and your role at Nasdaq.
As the Managing Director for our Marketplace Technology business in Southeast Asia Pacific, I focus on bringing Nasdaq’s capital market technology solutions to the region.
I was born in France many moons ago and have lived in Spain, the United States, and the United Kingdom.I have been very fortunate to call Singapore home for the past 16 years.In school, I studied Literature and Languages, which goes hand-in-hand with my interests in how these subjects significantly influence our societies and cultures—they are the means through which we express ourselves, share our experiences, and connect with others.
Considering I have called many different countries home, I feel comfortable changing environments.To me, Asia represents a humble never-ending source of learning and discovery.
Besides my needy dogs, what really gets me up in the morning is this ever-changing and fast-paced financial industry in Asia.The financial landscape and industry are constantly evolving; therefore, we at Nasdaq need to adapt by looking at market conditions, our customers’ needs, and technological advancements.
All in all, right now is a very exciting time to be alive and kicking in Asia!
How did you become involved in the technology space, and how has technology influenced your role at Nasdaq?
Curiosity and striving to always learn — I enjoy problem-solving, so technology seemed to be the perfect fit.It offers opportunities to work in a dynamic field with many opportunities for career growth and being able to impact decisions that happen on a global scale.
I started my career by gaining practical experience from volunteering in projects that focused on rationalizing processes.After that, I moved on to digital transformation projects that led to data analytics.When starting at Nasdaq, I could draw upon these experiences.That is why I love working for Nasdaq—technology truly is part of our DNA, and we are the “fabric of markets.”
How has technology influenced your role at Nasdaq?
At Nasdaq, the Marketplace Technology business unit serves a very wide range of clients through an entire trade life cycle—from order entry to settlement and custody.
Our exchange clients range from traditional exchanges to crypto marketplaces to voluntary carbon markets as well as established clearinghouses (CCPs) and central depositories (CSDs).We are laser-focused on innovation within all these spaces, and we have a vast treasure trove of products to offer to our clients (regardless of the client’s size).In addition, we keep a close eye on regulatory reforms in terms of how they shape the financial landscape.
Our technology enables us to modernize and service our clients’ needs, and our clients see us as their trusted partner in their journeys—not just a software provider.
Throughout your career, what challenges have you been presented with that you’ve had to overcome?
Everyone who knows me is aware that time management does not always come naturally to me.As I share this, I know there is still room for improvement.
Having studied Literature and Languages, I had to acquire knowledge in Fintech – and to be honest, it really is a continuous learning experience.Being curious has certainly helped, and I am grateful to have encountered many mentors who pointed me in the right direction.Throughout the years on the job, hands-on experiences have also provided me with practical knowledge.
The main reason I chose to work for Nasdaq is that the company is focused on creating a more equitable and inclusive workplace where all individuals can succeed, regardless of gender.
What advice would you give to people interested in working in business development or desire to have a role in the technology sector?
I believe the recipe for success is a combination of technical skills, practical experience, networking, adaptability, and strong soft skills.
Networking is extremely important when working in business development.
To work in technology, staying up-to-date on the latest trends and developments is equally important.This can be done by attending conferences, reading industry publications, and staying connected with industry experts.Our world is constantly changing, and you must keep your knowledge current.
The technology sector is dynamic, and it is important to embrace change as businesses need to evolve to thrive.Enhance knowledge by learning new skills and working through new challenges despite them looking hard at first.
Additionally, I would also advise in specializing since the technology sector is broad.A specific skill of expertise, such as data analytics or artificial intelligence, is always a way to expand horizons.
Remember to focus on solutions.When facing challenges or setbacks at work, focus on finding solutions rather than dwelling on the problem.
By approaching challenges with a solution-oriented mindset, you will be able to appreciate the opportunity to learn and grow..
