Name: Rochelle M. Rolle
Industry position: Head of compliance, executive director at Julius Baer Bank & Trust (Bahamas) Limited.
Education and training: Bachelor of business administration (with distinction), certified public accountant and successful completion of the ICA diploma in compliance and anti-money laundering.
What attracted you to the sector?
My initial attraction to the financial sector started in high school when I took courses in accounting. After completing a bachelor of business administration degree, with a concentration in accounting, I joined the former Coopers & Lybrand (now PricewaterhouseCoopers) and there, through interaction with my clients, I discovered the various career possibilities available in the industry and how essential it was to the Bahamian economy.
With the changes in the financial services sector during 2001 came the creation of this new position of compliance officer. Around the same time I was invited to join an institution in this capacity. It was a position that seemed both interesting and challenging because of its novelty and the responsibilities assigned to it. I therefore accepted the position.
How long have you been working?
I have been working in the financial sector since 1998, first as an accountant/auditor, then in 2001 as a financial and compliance officer with a Swiss bank. Since 2006 I have worked as head of compliance.
What keeps you motivated?
Well, there are several things that have kept me motivated throughout the years and continue to do so. First, the function that I perform is vital to ensuring that not only the good reputation of the company is maintained, but that of my country as well. Having an appreciation of this awesome responsibility energizes me to perform at the best of my ability at all times. Furthermore, I enjoy being a part of a dynamic team dedicated to the achievement of the company's goals and objectives. Knowing that others are depending on me, fuels me. Also, given this shifting industry, I am excited by the expectation of new and diverse challenges that create learning experiences. In my role, I am fortunate to have gained international exposure by working with colleagues on a global scale, allowing me to demonstrate the capabilities within The Bahamas. Finally, knowing that my function within the organization is appreciated by my employer, evidenced by my recent nomination as BFSB Professional of the Year 2014, keeps me motivated.
Why do you think you have been successful?
Of course all of the basic ingredients for success are important. These include hard work, commitment, diligence and enjoying what you do. However, I have added another secret ingredient, called lifelong learning. Because of the ever-changing environment of financial services, I have realized that professionals who stay abreast of the constant changes are the ones to succeed. Therefore, I am continually expanding my knowledge on various topics. Of utmost importance is the love and support of my family, who are always rooting for me.
Did mentoring play a part in your success?
Yes, mentoring has played a role for me. I credit my mentors with instilling in me the need for continuous education. Also, they have helped me to hone my professional skills by providing advice on work ethics, attitude and business acumen that they had gleaned from their years of experience.
Because of what I have gained through mentorship I see it as a responsibility to pay it forward and offer myself as a mentor to new joiners in the industry and often speak to those considering entering into the industry.
What qualifications do you feel are the most useful in helping you perform in the sector?
Given the dynamics and competitiveness of this industry a college degree with a professional qualification (e.g. CPA or CFA) is a must for entry level. However, one must keep in mind that as we venture into markets beyond The Bahamas, possessing a foreign language skill is the new normal. This, coupled with certain character traits such as a willingness to learn, openness to constructive criticism, attentiveness and versatility are bound to advance you in the industry.
Why is it important to encourage our youth to think of careers within financial services? Are there specific suggestions you have for sustaining or growing the financial services sector? What advice would you give young people just starting out in the industry?
Because financial services constitute the second most important sector of the Bahamian economy, it is important that we think of sustainability. In my opinion it can only be achieved by attracting young talent and encouraging them to enter this arena.
As the Bahamas Financial Services Board is charged with the responsibility of developing and promoting our financial services sector, it is important that it in turn seeks young talent and grooms them for this industry. My Swiss counterparts always speak about internship programs whereby young talent is identified from high school and groomed through on-the-job training and mentoring. We would do well to emulate them in this regard.
Throughout my career I have sought mentoring, inviting advice from seasoned, well-placed professionals in the industry. It is therefore advisable that they do the same. Seek out and align yourself with those individuals that have already made a mark in the industry. Familiarize yourself with the term "service excellence" and always be prepared to give this daily. Give your all to the task whether it is minute or daunting.
Continue to invest in your future. Keep learning and seeking new challenges that would expose you to new learning experiences. This also requires you to measure your qualifications against the industry's needs, and seek to bridge those gaps.
Finally, master a second language commensurate to the market needs. Study the industry to determine its market focus and learn the language and culture of that market.

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