Payment Expert’s ID Check: Payments Professionals offers insight from industry leaders and experts on how they got their start in the financial industry, from their early years in education, to how they have been able to climb the corporate ladder.
This week, Etika Chopra, Money Laundering Reporting Officer at Clear Junction, reveals what vital skills she has learnt in her role to help her bring assertive factual-based evidence to break down gender biases, as well as the importance of taking value in your work.
Where did you go to university and what did you study? What impact did this have on your current journey?
I completed my MBA in Strategic Planning at Edinburgh Business School at Heriot-Watt University, which was instrumental in shaping my career. The programme’s focus on strategic planning equipped me with the skills to develop long-term business strategies and enhance organisational efficiency.
It taught me to plan strategically and foresee potential challenges, which has been extremely valuable for navigating the complex regulatory environment of the payments industry.
Were you part of any sports clubs or societies at university and has this influenced your educational and professional development?
I played volleyball and other sports in school. These activities taught me about persistence and the importance of perseverance. In sports, you have to be determined to keep trying despite setbacks.
Did you have any jobs outside of the industry before making your start in it and was this experience a motivation to get into the industry you aspired to be in?
Well, it was my experience as a Control and Oversight Officer that motivated me to pursue a career in compliance.
It involved ensuring that operations adhered to regulatory standards and internal policies, and it highlighted to me the importance of regulatory compliance and risk management. It was a big motivator for me to delve deeper into this field.
What was the first job you had in the industry and are there any lessons from this you still draw on?
My first job in the industry was the Control and Oversight Officer role in a fintech company. This position really shaped my work ethos – my manager at the time taught essential values like taking pride in my work and not letting anyone push me over.
These lessons have remained with me throughout my career, reinforcing the importance of integrity, self-respect, and resilience in the face of challenges.
Who was your biggest role model outside of the payments industry who continues to inspire you in your current career?
Steve Jobs and Elon Musk have been significant role models for me. Steve Jobs for his headstrong and persistent personality, and Elon Musk for his directness, strategic thinking, and high standards.
When was your first big break in the payments industry? Why was this such a significant moment for you?
In 2020, I secured a position as a Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO), and it was a dream come true. It has provided me with the opportunity to take on greater responsibilities and make a meaningful impact on the organisation’s compliance framework.
Was there a moment you faced in the industry that really challenged you? How did you overcome this?
Staying alert and adaptive in the challenging and ever-changing payments industry is crucial. When your opinions are undervalued, assertiveness and presenting factual evidence can help you overcome gender bias.
Lastly, what is some advice you would give to an aspiring person looking to get a start in your respective industry?
Never stop learning.