Tania Sharmin, an outshining professional in capital market

In a society where men usually rein in the workplace, Tania Sharmin has had an impressive career in the country’s capital market industry. With an excellent career of over 17 years, she is currently serving Trust Regional

Equity Limited as its chief executive officer (CEO).

Tania, however, also faces numerous challenges as a woman in a male-dominated industry.

Despite all the odds, Tania’s expertise in regulatory compliance, exposure management, and raising capital through private and public offers has made her a valuable asset for the organisations she has worked for so far.

Before joining Trust Regional Equity Limited, she also held different key positions in many organisations, such as the CEO at NCCB Securities and Financial Services Ltd, head of internal control & compliance at BRAC EPL Stock Brokerage Ltd, and an assistant director of the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC).

Marking International Women’s day, she recently has given an exclusive interview with The Business Post.

When asked what inspired her to pursue a career in the capital market industry, Tania Sharmin stated that she had requested an internship with her teacher Salahuddin Ahmed Khan, who at that time was also the chief executive officer of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE).

The DSE internship was the turning point that finally made a way for her to get settled in the stock market industry.

During the internship period, she found the work interesting and subsequently decided to pursue a career in the field. She now believes that this profession remains in her DNA, and she enjoys the job a lot.

As a woman in a male-dominated industry, Tania also faces various challenges.

The salary discrepancy and employers’ hesitations to employ a woman to a top position were the major challenges she has faced so far.

Tania, however, has overcome these odds by keeping perseverance and continuously proving her worth through hard work and dedication.

Tania has witnessed many changes in the country’s capital market during her career, with automation being a significant addition. In the past, tasks had to be done manually, but with automation, the process has become much more streamlined. Additionally, she has also noticed an increase in young professionals being employed by employers, which has led to a more diverse workplace.

Looking towards the future, Tania eyes starting her own capital market consultancy firm, where she will bring in changes that she couldn’t make elsewhere. She aims to change the office culture by eliminating the discrimination between newcomers and experienced employees, as well as between men and women. She also wants to create a friendly and peaceful work environment where everyone can give their cent per cent efforts.

For young professionals interested in pursuing a career in the capital market industry, Trust Regional Equity Limited’s CEO advises them to not be intimidated by the industry’s complexities. She notes that the capital market deals with diversified things, making it a place where women can pursue a diversified career. Additionally, she believes that women are calm-minded and more competent in the sector and that the flexible working hours make it a great job for women who want to balance their work and personal lives.

When asked about any difficult decision she had to make in her career, this working woman market her tenure at BRAC EPL Stock Brokerage during the market instability in 2012-13.

Being the head of internal control & compliance of the brokerage firm, it was tough for her to maintain regular operations because investors during that time had been very agitated following the market crash.

But despite protests run by investors on the streets, she went in front of protesters and talked to them to pacify them. Eventually, they calmed down, and the brokerage firm’s office remained safe from the vandalism that many other offices faced.

As the CEO of Trust Regional Equity Limited, she is now facing challenges in addressing client issues, especially with groups of companies. She notes that being a woman in this field can be even more challenging due to the negative perceptions towards women.

However, Tania strives to make things seamless in her office and always prioritises her responsibilities. Although she has disagreed with regulators in the past, she always maintains professionalism and prioritises her responsibilities as a CEO.

Tania Sharmin’s impressive career in the capital market industry has not come without its barriers in the male-dominated industry. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance, determination, and hard work. She has broken barriers and paved the way for future women generations in the capital markets industry.