SVP - HRPS Singapore and ASEAN Cluster Relationship Manager (ROHQ - HR Professional Services)

How did you begin a career as a RM?

I always loved working with people and helping them to solve their issues. I focused on this when choosing my career . I wanted exposure to clients and to be responsible for managing relationships with them. Before Citi, I was managing relationships for institutional clients. When an opportunity arose to become the relationship manager for individuals here, I didn’t hesitate. This role feels more personal, more energetic and more proactive than being a relationship manager for pension funds.

What does your day-to-day job entail and what do you like most about it?

Every client is different, their needs are different and the solutions I offer to each of them are different. My job consists of providing my clients with the investment solutions that are in line with their risk-return objectives. I also manage a team of relationship managers and make sure that they deliver the best value for their clients every single day. The beauty of my job is that every day is absolutely different and I love it.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I love the drive, energy and freedom to do my work the way I want and deliver results my way. I love working with clients who are driven, successful and ambitious. I love my job because it makes me a better version of myself and gives a deep sense of fulfillment.

What skills have you gained as part of your job?

You have to be an excellent communicator and a good listener. You have to be empathetic, flexible, adaptable, curious, determined, energetic and passionate.

What advice would you give to someone looking to become a RM?

Love working with people. Remain calm and optimistic no matter what, be ready to accept mistakes and learn from them, and be proactive and focus on building trust with your clients. When you have trust, the rest will unfold naturally.

What makes Citi a good place to work?

When you start working here, you will never want to leave. Citi is more than just an employer; it’s family. The people you work with will make you feel at home. In addition, Citi invests heavily in its employees and organizes a wide range of international programs to make sure its people are well-developed and motivated.

Do you take part in any volunteering or special programs?

I love motivating and inspiring people. Outside of my work for Citi, I am a qualified life coach. I combine my passion for inspiration with my coaching skills, and I now run monthly “Happiness Booster” sessions for women in our business. I am also a regional ambassador for “Forward Compatibility” and run regular workshops to promote continuous self-development and growth.

How did you begin a career as a RM?

I started as an auditor but soon felt the daily activities of the job didn’t fit my personality. A friend suggested I consider the role of a relationship manager in personal banking since I tend to enjoy dealing with people.

What does your day-to-day job entail and what do you like most about it?

My daily activities normally start with meetings with asset class specialists about the markets. Then I move on to discussions with clients on the phone or over a meal. I like being able to find the right match and balance between my clients’ needs and the financial markets.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I enjoy talking to my clients about themselves. Learning about how they first started out as budding entrepreneurs and junior executives or professionals. Hearing about the journey that’s taken them so far. Their success not only helps me better understand them as unique individuals but is also inspiring. It motivates me to achieve the same for myself.

What skills have you gained as part of your job?

Patience and understanding. Not so much with market timing but more so with the many different personalities I work with in our industry.

What advice would you give to someone looking to become a RM?

You don’t need to be the most charismatic and sociable individual to succeed as a RM. That could be a bit of a misconception. It’s more important that you have the tenacity to pick yourself up again and again when you fail because you will likely hit many frustrating roadblocks along the way.

What makes Citi a good place to work?

The people.

Do you take part in any volunteering or special programs?

As part of Citi, I’ve participated in a community program to help teach kids with learning disabilities.

How did you begin a career as a RM?

I started as a banking associate for service. I went through two years of rotations as a cash teller, greeter, service banker and a service relationship manager. Eventually, I chose to move to sales. It was a smooth and easy transition for me because I knew Citi’s culture, system and client-facing style. I was a personal banker for one year. Then I became a relationship manager for three years. Today I am a private client relationship manager.

What does your day-to-day job entail and what do you like most about it?

My typical day starts with a morning huddle – we have scheduled days for treasury, investments and insurance updates every week. After the huddles I will sit down and plan my day. I jot down all the things I have to complete and prioritize them depending on their urgency and importance. I will usually have 2-3 appointments arranged daily. I touch base with all my clients frequently to update them on the markets and their portfolios. I really like winning each pitch and the sense of accomplishment with the closing of each transaction.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

The trust and relationship established between clients and myself.

What skills have you gained as part of your job?

The ability to communicate well. Every meeting with the client is very precious and I have to learn to convey complex information in a professional and jargon-free manner. That means tailoring my communication style is extremely important. Over the years, I have learned how to communicate differently to different groups of clients in order to gain their trust. I take pride in delivering a well-structured, accurate and clear proposition.

What advice would you give to someone looking to become a RM?

A relationship manger role has a very steep learning curve. The market is constantly changing and client demands and expectations are increasing. You need to be ready to invest time to understand the markets and establish relationships with hundreds of clients – convincing them to buy into your ideas. It takes a lot of effort, time and perseverance, and the most challenging part of the job is to deal with countless rejections and learning how to overcome them.

What makes Citi a good place to work?

It’s not a cutthroat environment, so we respect each other’s client lists – which means you can focus on the real important things in the daily job. Citi’s attractive compensation package and rewarding benefits are strong factors for me as well.