Q&A with Hannah Perrin and Ana-Maria Broscatan, two recent members of the 30 under 30 list

In this combined Q&A, we find out more about them and what drives them to succeed…

Tell us a bit more about your roles…

Ana-Maria: I’m a Senior Governance Analyst and help to develop and operationalise control structures within CBAFL. I monitor CBAFL’s first line control activities to ensure we operate correctly and properly manage risk and conduct analysis for trending and reporting purposes to help improve how we function as a business.

My role touches numerous business areas and includes working closely with various stakeholders to make sure we have processes in place for any regulatory changes coming down the line. We investigate root causes of issues to ensure we are treating customers fairly – in short, no two days are the same!

Hannah: I am an underwriter for our PCH (personal contract hire) product in Wholesale Finance, which is regulated lending to individuals for lease cars. I am currently undergoing training in the governance and compliance area while also studying for my diploma with the International Compliance Association. I originally started out in a sales support role when I was 19 as a temp while studying law at university and have progressed through the business to my current role.

What does it mean to you to be included on the 30 under 30 list?

Ana-Maria: I’m honoured to have been put forward by my managers and am so grateful for their continued support, insight and advice – this is all thanks to them. I hope that by being on the list I can inspire more young people to move into Asset Finance and to change the way the industry is perceived!

Hannah: It is such an incredible honour to be included on the 30 under 30 list, I’m still speechless about it now! I was honoured that Richard Gregson (Commercial Director, Wholesale Finance) put me forward to be on the list in the first instance. I never once thought I’d actually make it onto the list out of all the talented applicants who also applied.

What motivates you?

Ana-Maria: I’m motivated most when there’s a larger purpose to what I’m doing, so I love being in environments where I can make a difference – this applies both when I’m in work, and in my personal life. I find it motivating when the advice/information I give can genuinely help people or show different perspectives (it’s also one of the reasons why I started out in law!).

Hannah: Being able to learn something new and solve any issues/problems that arise. I love being able to learn about new processes and products because it keeps my knowledge up-to-date and fresh. Being tasked with any issues and being able to solve them is always a really satisfying feeling, especially when it helps solve any issues our customers may have, which is a key part to the success of a business.

Is it encouraging to see so many women named on the list?

Ana-Maria: I think it’s great to have so many ambitious women on the list, and I think the more women we see on the list, the more it can encourage other women to think ‘I can do that’ and apply for roles within Asset Finance and change the industry.

I do, however, think there’s still a long way to go to change the stats - 43% of asset finance providers’ board have no female members according to a recent survey. But, having seen the brilliant women on this list I’m hopeful this will change.

Hannah: It is really encouraging to see so many women on the list, especially since I’m part of the gender balance committee for the bank. It’s great to see that so much progress is being made with gender diversity because it shows that corporations aren’t making ‘empty promises’ regarding diversity and are actively making changes for the better.

What does this mean for increasing diversity in our sector?

Ana-Maria: It’s definitely a step in the right direction – I think it’s important to show that you can thrive in our sector no matter your background. I think that having a more diverse workforce and less ‘group thinking’ helps us gain different perspectives, expertise, and experiences, which can not only help shift the culture in a more positive way, but it can also help us as a sector overall – after all, our client-base is diverse, so we should be too!

Hannah: It is really positive and great to see that what is typically seen as an industry dominated by ‘white males’ is becoming so much more diverse. It will show the new working generation that no matter who you are and what background you come from, you can do well and achieve a lot within our sector.

How would you describe working at Close Brothers Asset Finance?

Ana-Maria: Close Brothers Asset Finance is such a collaborative environment and I feel part of a large family and feel like I can always ‘bring my whole self to work’. The volunteering opportunities and Thrive employee awards really shows what an encouraging environment we have and how individuals really are valued within the business and the wider community.

Within the Governance team, I couldn’t ask for better colleagues. There are definitely times where we are under pressure, but the team is so supportive and makes every day a little better – we can have a laugh, and no matter how busy someone is, they’ll always take the time to help you out.

Hannah: The Wholesale Finance team is like a mini family - everyone is really close and supportive of one another; we celebrate each other’s achievements like they are our own - I couldn’t ask for a better team to work in. The whole of the Manchester Trafford Park office where I am based is a really great environment to work in because everyone gets along, has a laugh, and makes coming in enjoyable and something to look forward to. Every single team even if they don’t necessarily work together day-to-day are so supportive of each other and it is a really positive environment to be a part of.

What has the support been like that you’ve received from your manager/s and others in the business?

Ana-Maria: The Asset Finance industry was completely new to me when I started in my role, so I am extremely grateful for my support network at work. My managers have always supported my development and career plans and their leadership has really given me the confidence to grow into my ambitions. They’ve supported my decisions, have always encouraged me, and their belief in me has really meant a great deal.

Everyone I have spoken to within the business is always willing to share their experiences with me, and I’m so grateful to every colleague who has helped me – every insight, every unique skillset, and every little piece of advice has helped me in my role and in shaping what I want to do in the future. 

Hannah: I started when I was 19 and I was very new to asset finance, never having worked in the industry before. The support I received - and still do - from the whole team (not just my managers) is next level; they have encouraged and supported my development at every step of my journey.

I wouldn’t be in the position I’m in now if it wasn’t for the support of the Commercial Director, Richard Gregson; he has been a tremendous encouragement from day one, giving me opportunities to develop and a place to learn the industry I was so new to.

To this day, even though he is not my direct line manager anymore, Rich is always there to support my career and help me develop in any way he can. We’re very fortunate in the wholesale finance team that James Comrie, Matt Williams and Rich Gregson (MD, Sales Director and Commercial Director) and the rest of the management team support everyone’s careers and development, it is a great place to learn and thrive.

Any words of advice for anyone thinking of joining Close Brothers?

Ana-Maria: Close Brothers really does live and breathe its purpose – it truly supports its colleagues, customers and clients, and it’s a great, people-orientated place to work. I’ve worked in large organisations previously, but Close Brothers really does feel ‘close knit’, even with each office having its own, unique niche.

We celebrate employee achievements across the business and we really do help each other thrive – my advice would be, if you’re looking for a place that’s interested in finding out about you as a person and a place that’s genuinely interested in developing you into who you want to become, Close Brothers is the place to be.

Hannah: My advice would be to definitely apply! It truly is a great environment to work in - the ethos of the people at Close Brothers is unmatched, and that is clearly demonstrated by the Bank’s vision and values.