Operations Unpacked: The CISI

In this episode of the CISI podcast Operations Unpacked, hosts Victoria Sena and Colin Anderson are joined by Paul Darroch Groden to discuss effective exam preparation. Paul shares practical guidance on how candidates can approach their studies with confidence, covering strategies for structuring revision, managing time, and making the most of available learning resources. The conversation offers valuable insights for anyone preparing for CISI examinations, highlighting common challenges and practical tips to help learners perform at their best.

In this episode of Operations Unpacked, from the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI), industry experts Phil Clements and Stacey Onyido explore the evolving landscape of financial promotions. Moderated by hosts Victoria Sena and Colin Anderson, the discussion examines emerging regulatory expectations, common compliance challenges, and innovative approaches firms are adopting to navigate an increasingly complex environment. A timely and practical conversation for operations and compliance professionals seeking clarity in a fast-changing space.

In this episode of CISI Operations Unpacked, Andrew Muir unpacks the evolution from ISO 15022 to ISO 20022 and explains why it is central to the digital transformation of financial services.Andrew outlines why ISO 20022 was developed, by whom, and how its structured, data-rich messaging model improves on legacy standards. He breaks down the key components of the ISO 20022 framework and explains how it interacts with SWIFT as part of the global migration programme.The discussion explores which firms are impacted — from banks and payment providers to custodians, market infrastructures, fintechs and even organisations that may not initially realise they fall within scope. Andrew shares practical examples of firms using ISO 20022 to enhance straight-through processing, improve data quality, and strengthen financial crime controls.The episode also examines what gives ISO 20022 an edge over alternatives — including richer data, interoperability and future-proof design — while addressing the challenges and unintended consequences firms face during implementation.A clear and practical guide to why ISO 20022 matters, who it affects, and how it is reshaping financial operations.

In this episode of the CISI podcast Operations Unpacked, hosts Victoria Sena and Colin Anderson sit down with Gail Thomson and Shaig Mougal to explore the past, present and future of CASS. Together, they unpack how the Client Assets Sourcebook has evolved, what firms need to know about today’s regulatory expectations, and where CASS is heading next. From lessons learned and common challenges to emerging trends and practical insights, this conversation offers a timely and accessible deep dive for anyone involved in safeguarding client assets.

In this episode of Operations Unpacked, hosts Victoria Sena and Rachel Clark engage with Nathan Young to explore the concept of a ‘Second’. Nathan explains that a Second is not merely a role but a specific type of person who thrives in supportive positions. The conversation delves into the traits that define Seconds, the importance of followership, and the distinction between risk aversion and change aversion. Nathan also discusses the rarity of Seconds in the workforce and how individuals can identify and develop their Second nature. Real-life examples illustrate the vital role Seconds play in organisations, emphasising the symbiotic relationship between Seconds and First-in-Command leaders. The episode concludes with resources for further exploration of the Second identity.

In this episode of Operations Unpacked, hosts Victoria Sena and Rachel Clark sit down with Natasha Mackintosh from bdh Sterling to lead about a Day in the Life in Business Operations. They discuss challenges and opportunities that come with a career in operations; how to navigate steep learning curves; the importance of mentors in early stages of a career; what a typical day in operations looks like; the importance of policies and procedures; how operational staff can be leaders; what moving to another country involves; what makes a good operational professional beyond technical capabilities; what to do when things go wrong; important operational skills; what the EOS system is; and how to lead teams that may be unseen, but are critical to the success of a business.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.