As NA (North American) Treasury Trade Desk support with BMO, Sandra Williams has more than two decades of experience in the financial sector. She is highly experienced in middle office operations, security analysis, and trade support. Ms. Williams has held key positions at prominent financial institutions since earning relevant degrees and has built a reputation for reliability and skill, demonstrating a deep understanding of finance and investments.
Ms. Williams began her academic journey by earning an Associate of Applied Science in finance and banking from the Borough of Manhattan Community College, City University of New York (CUNY), in 1994. The same year, she was inducted into “Who’s Who Among Students in American Junior Colleges” to recognize her academic achievements and engagement in her education. She then pursued and completed a Bachelor of Business Administration in finance and investments from Baruch College, CUNY, in 1997, which solidified her foundational knowledge and passion for financial markets.
Starting as an asset management team leader in international equity trade support at Deutsche Bank, Ms. Williams gained experience in managing domestic equity portfolio trade support and, later, fixed-income securities. Her tenure in these roles positioned her as an expert in both equity and fixed-income markets. Her career advanced with significant roles at UBS Warburg, Alliance Capital Management, and Prudential Financial. At Prudential, Ms. Williams served as a fixed-income senior security operations associate, where she managed complex securities operations and contributed to the firm’s ability to handle bond and equity transactions efficiently. Ms. Williams’ contributions were critical in ensuring timely settlements, accuracy in trade confirmations, and smooth communication with custodians and traders—skills she would continue to refine in later roles.
In 2010, Ms. Williams joined Standard Chartered Bank as a senior and team lead in the Credit Bonds Middle Office, where she played a pivotal role in overseeing bond trade operations. Her leadership and dedication earned her a promotion to Credit Bonds Middle Office associate director and team lead in 2017. This promotion allowed Ms. Williams to manage a larger team, foster closer client relationships, and improve operational efficiency. She embraced the responsibilities of this role and took pride in helping her team excel in a highly competitive and fast-paced environment.
Ms. Williams’ career took another significant turn when she joined Aegon Asset Management in 2021. Initially working as a trade operations consultant, she quickly transitioned to the role of senior investment analyst. In this position, she assumed responsibility for executing and settling trades across various financial instruments, including securities, bonds, and equities. Ms. Williams’ ability to resolve discrepancies and work closely with traders, brokers, and custodians ensured that trades were processed accurately and efficiently. She also managed onboarding new accounts and maintained communication with clients and stakeholders.
In 2024, Ms. Williams transitioned to her current role at BMO. As NA Treasury Trade Desk support, she works closely with Know Your Customer, KYC, and specialists to onboard clients, resolve trade breaks, and ensure the timely settlement of trades in emerging markets. Her knowledge of fixed-income trades and emerging markets, combined with her strong communication skills, has made her an indispensable part of BMO’s treasury operations.
Ms. Williams attributes much of her success to her family, particularly her late mother, who instilled in her the values of patience, perseverance, and hard work. She also acknowledges the influence of mentors early in her career who guided her through challenges and helped her grow. These experiences have shaped her approach to work, making her a leader who values continuous learning and the importance of nurturing talent in others.
A sports enthusiast, Ms. Williams enjoys reading, long walks, and following her favorite teams, especially the New York Yankees. She vividly recalls attending their championship parade in 2009, which remains one of the highlights of her personal life. She is also a charter member of the National Museum of African American History & Culture, reflecting her desire to preserve and celebrate African American heritage.
Ms. Williams takes immense pride in her longevity and resilience in the financial industry. She believes staying relevant, open-minded, and always learning has been key to her success. Moving forward, Ms. Williams aims to advance in her career by obtaining additional financial certifications, such as the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, or FINRA, Series 7, 62, or 99. These licenses would enhance her qualifications and serve as personal milestones in her path toward professional growth.
As she reflects on her career, Ms. Williams identifies her recognition in Marquis Who’s Who in 2024 as a distinguished professional woman as one of her most meaningful achievements. This honor and her years of dedicated service in a male-dominated industry reinforce her commitment to excellence. Ms. Williams plans to take on more managerial and supervisory roles while continuing to uphold the high standards she has set for herself. She looks forward to someday retiring with a sense of accomplishment, secure in the knowledge that she has made lasting impacts in the financial sector.