Ever since this new Senior Fellow had a chance to transition from retail to institutional banking, opportunity has shaped his career.
The message he had been made a senior fellow at FINSIA took David Fisher completely by surprise.
“This isn’t something you apply for, you’re silently nominated by your peers,” he says. “So, as well as being a totally unexpected honour, it was also very humbling. I’m very grateful to receive recognition of all that I’ve attempted to achieve in my 38-year banking career.”
Like many others starting out in the industry, David began in retail banking. He later transitioned to institutional banking and considers himself fortunate to be one of the few who have that opportunity.
“Having experience in both sides of banking has been invaluable,” he says.
“I was able to gain an insight into how the whole system works, from basic everyday banking to the complex transactions of large institutions. I could also see how technology underpins the entire finance industry, and that really interested me. In fact, I’ve spent the last 15 years or so focused on technology risk management, information security and identity & access management.”
David’s current role is Executive Technology, Information Security and Operations Risk at NAB. Here, he implements the principles and fundamentals of holistic risk management, which includes operational, technology, information security and compliance as well as people management, operations, and cultural change.
He thinks of his career in terms of opportunities rather than challenges.
“Collectively, the opportunities that opened up to me have shaped my perspective on how banking is positioned and perceived in society,” he says. “Banks are built on trust, which is one reason why the professionalism fostered by FINSIA is critical.”
In the future, David sees FINSIA continuing to embed professionalism and advancing standards within banking and finance.
“FINSIA is the peak professional industry body for financial services in Australia and New Zealand, and I’ve no doubt it will continue to help members develop their careers with its range of educational resources,” he says.
“However, I also imagine that certain aspects of its role will evolve to keep pace with changes in the regulatory landscape and innovations associated with for example in artificial intelligence.”
David appreciates the industry events, forums and roundtable discussions that support collaboration between FINSIA’s members.
“It can be really helpful to exchange ideas and discuss opportunities with like-minded peers,” he says.
His advice to anyone who aspires to make significant contributions to banking and finance is to accept that these things can take time.
“It’s really important to persevere with your goals,” he says. “I believe one of the most important things you can do to forward any career is embrace every aspect of learning. Learning isn’t just about gaining new skills, it encompasses new capabilities, new perspectives, and new ways of doing things. Even the style of your communications can benefit.”
David believes there must be a healthy balance between work and other aspects of life.
“For me, that starts with making sure I have time to spend with my family,” he says.