Wealthsimple
Alex Odartey-Wellington
08 July 2025
Alex Odartey-Wellington, trading associate, securities finance at Wealthsimple, speaks to Carmella Haswell about the value of being disciplined and curious, in addition to his views regarding the shift toward AI and its reshaping of financial services
Image: Alex Odartey-Wellington
Can you tell me about your journey into the securities finance industry?
Upon graduating from university, I was looking for an opportunity to feed my growing interest in financial markets. Through a combination of curiosity, great mentorship, and good luck, I came across a middle office position supporting Wealthsimple’s securities finance trade desk in growing its new programme. To be honest, I did not have much background knowledge on securities finance but the idea of a niche area of the capital markets that plays a huge role in its efficient functioning, drew me in.
The role was a great opportunity to learn on a relatively new and growing team while making impactful contributions to the organisation’s effort to continue scaling their securities finance business. After nine foundational months on the operational side, I was offered the opportunity to join the trading desk and made the decision to move as the role provided an exciting combination of quantitative tasks while having a strong emphasis on building genuine relationships across the street.
As a young professional, what aspects of your role or the industry do you find most exciting?
Being a young professional means that I am always being introduced to new concepts and ideas. There is no substitution for sitting alongside more experienced masters of their craft who are happy to guide and teach you along your journey.
As someone who values continual learning, I also find it exciting to work in an industry that exposes me to the market dynamics of various securities. I enjoy the challenge of connecting dots and building counterparty relationships that result in strategic opportunities to grow our respective businesses.
Additionally, I find being at the intersection of trading, operations, technology, and product rewarding. In an environment where days are fast-paced and decisions must be made quickly; we consistently use tools to optimise our processes and improve efficiency, ensuring we deliver on clients’ needs.
Many companies offer various training and development opportunities for their employees. How has your company supported your growth?
A huge part of my training and development has been the result of working closely with a great team that continues to foster my curiosity. That supportive culture extends well beyond my team. I have had the opportunity to work alongside our broader capital markets personnel, all of whom come from varying backgrounds and are willing to provide tutelage in areas that I have little to no knowledge in. The entire organisation is built on the value of strong collaboration across divisions to provide high-quality products to all clients.
The organisation also supports employees in achieving their personal career goals. Wealthsimple invests heavily in their employees by providing an annual Learning & Development budget that can be used towards a variety of development tools such as professional courses, books, newsletter subscriptions, and online learning platforms.
What misconceptions about working in the financial industry have you encountered, and how do you address these challenges?
One of the biggest misconceptions about the financial industry is that it is full of people with sharp elbows who are out for themselves. In reality, the vast majority of people I have met are kind and relatable people who value trust and integrity. At Wealthsimple, young professionals are given ample opportunity to speak up and encouraged to embark on new projects and innovations.
Another misconception is that being a trader is solely reliant on one’s quantitative skills. While being comfortable with data is important, one must also be equipped with the ability to problem solve, build meaningful relationships, and stay composed under pressure to be a successful trader. It is also vital to have the strong communication skills necessary to articulate your insights and ideas on a daily basis.
Looking ahead, where do you see yourself in the next five years in terms of your career goalsand aspirations?
In the next five years, I hope to have significantly expanded my knowledge base in capital markets. I aspire to be a well-rounded professional with a balanced combination of technical skills and strong industry relationships.
We are amid a huge shift where AI is reshaping every industry, including the financial services industry. I intend to embrace automation and AI over the next five years and implement these tools in my day-to-day workflows. More importantly, I would like to sharpen my focus in a role where I have the opportunity to pass down valuable insights when mentoring newer entrants to the industry.
What advice do you have for other young professionals aspiring to pursue a career in
your industry?
My advice to other young professionals is to have a disciplined and curious approach to each waking day. In a role where many things get thrown at you during the day, it helps to be organised and focus on each task as it presents itself. Also, there is no substitute for experience, and early in your career it is important to be a sponge and learn as much as possible from the more seasoned members of your team and organisation. Ask questions, take notes, and always raise your hand for new opportunities. I have found that the more you engage yourself with the different aspects of the job, the quicker you learn.
Alex Odartey-Wellington Bio
Alex Odartey-Wellington is a trading associate on Wealthsimple’s securities finance team. He initially joined Wealthsimple in 2023 in a middle office role before transitioning to the trading desk, where he continues to develop his expertise and contributes to the growth of Wealthsimple’s securities finance programme.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and statistics from the University of Toronto and enjoys the combination of quantitative analysis and problem solving involved in his role. As an early-career professional, he is focused on deepening his market knowledge while building meaningful professional relationships.
Outside of work, Odartey-Wellington spends his time attending concerts, competing in recreational sports leagues, and reading. He also values mentorship and enjoys sharing his experiences with students and recent graduates navigating their first steps into the industry.
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