Team Q&A: Ana Charques

I was born and raised in Barcelona and later went on to study Law at the University of Barcelona. I then had the opportunity to live and work in Australia for three years, and it was here that I got to experience a whole new way of life. I also met my now fiancé which made the experience all the more special!
 
Upon my return to Barcelona, I was keen to expand my knowledge and skills and decided to deep dive on the compliance side of the law. This is when I joined Neo, and I haven’t looked back. It’s been an invaluable experience, in which I’ve grown both personally and professionally. 
 
In my spare time, I love to travel and explore new countries and regions, discovering restaurants and other hidden gems each location has to offer. I also enjoy spending quality time with loved ones and prioritise physical well-being by engaging in various sports activities to stay active and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Since I joined Neo, I’ve had lots of different roles and responsibilities. This variety is one of the many perks of working in a small team! In my current role, I’m responsible for nurturing leads into valued clients, which involves everything from building client relationships to optimising internal processes. I also play a key role in aligning policies and procedures, ensuring our team operates smoothly and efficiently.

The essential leadership skills and qualities required in my position at Neo involve maintaining motivation, being adaptable to the company’s needs, and being willing to go above and beyond to benefit Neo, regardless of whether it falls within the confines of the job description. Additionally, being organized and prioritizing tasks is crucial.

During my tenure in the industry and at Neo, I have observed notable changes in the treasury landscape. From 2019 onwards, there has been a rapid adoption of technology, particularly in the form of cloud-based treasury management systems and advanced analytics. Moreover, the emergence of cryptocurrencies and decentralised finance has brought about new possibilities and challenges, encouraging treasurers to delve into digital assets and explore blockchain-based solutions. 

In the next 5-10 years, the treasury landscape is likely to experience significant transformation. The widespread adoption of blockchain technology and digital currencies will revolutionise payment systems, settlement processes, and cross-border transactions. This shift will bring about increased efficiency, transparency, and security in financial operations. Furthermore, advancements in data analytics will empower treasurers to gain deeper insights, improve forecasting accuracy and optimize cash management strategies. Overall, the treasury function will become more tech-driven, data-driven and interconnected with emerging financial technologies.