How Sally Savoia Built Her Successful Career in Finance

Sally Savoia has made a name for herself as an expert in finance, compliance, and risk management. Based in London, she has carved out a successful career that spans over 25 years, characterized by her deep understanding of financial regulations, risk frameworks, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. But how did she get there? In this article, we explore the motivations, mindset, and strategies that helped Sally Savoia build her successful career in finance.

A Strong Foundation in Education

Sally's journey began with a robust educational foundation. She holds both a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in Statistical Science from the University of Bologna, which gave her the tools to understand complex data, financial analysis, and statistical modeling. This education not only provided her with technical expertise but also shaped her critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are essential in finance and risk management.

But Sally didn’t stop there—she pursued additional certifications, such as the ICA Diploma in Governance, Compliance & Risk and the European Financial Advisor certification from EFPA. This commitment to lifelong learning has kept her on top of industry trends and helped her provide high-quality advisory services to her clients.

Taking Calculated Risks for Career Growth

Risk management is a central part of Sally's career, but ironically, she had to take some calculated risks to get where she is today. Early in her career, she made a significant decision to transition from Italy to London, where she saw greater opportunities in the financial sector. This move was not without challenges—Sally had to navigate a new professional environment, adapt to cultural differences, and prove herself all over again.

Her ability to embrace change and take calculated risks helped her grow professionally. London provided her with access to a global financial hub where she could work with leading firms and engage in projects that had a significant impact on clients and organizations. Sally's experience at Fineco, one of Italy's prestigious banks, as a financial advisor, also played a crucial role in her career, giving her the credibility and experience she needed to advance in the international financial world.

Building Expertise Through Experience

One of the key aspects of Sally's success is her hands-on experience across various roles in the finance industry. She worked as a Risk Management Framework Coordinator and a Senior Compliance Development Manager at StoneX Financial Ltd, where she gained insights into designing and implementing effective risk management frameworks. These roles allowed her to build her expertise in compliance, client support, and regulatory requirements.

Sally's decade-long tenure at Fineco helped her hone her skills in advising clients, managing financial portfolios, and understanding the intricacies of the banking industry. Her diverse experience across financial advisory, compliance, and risk management helped her develop a holistic view of the financial landscape, making her a sought-after professional in her field.

Adaptability and a Forward-Thinking Approach

Sally Savoia's success is largely due to her adaptability and willingness to innovate. In a rapidly changing financial industry, staying relevant requires keeping up with evolving regulations, technological advancements, and new financial products. Sally's proficiency with software tools like Power BI and Microsoft Projects allows her to effectively generate reports, manage complex information, and make data-driven decisions.

Her forward-thinking approach extends to her work in compliance. Sally has always understood that compliance should not be seen as a burden but as a strategic advantage. She has worked to optimize compliance processes, ensuring that organizations are not only meeting regulatory requirements but are also making smarter, more informed decisions. This proactive approach has helped her stand out and build trust with clients and colleagues alike.

The Importance of Soft Skills

Beyond technical skills, Sally attributes a large part of her success to her soft skills. The ability to communicate effectively, build relationships, and collaborate with others has been critical in her career. As a compliance professional, Sally often needs to work with different teams, provide guidance, and ensure that everyone understands the importance of compliance in achieving organizational goals.

Her passion for fostering a positive work culture and leading by example has also contributed to her career growth. Sally knows that the success of a compliance or risk management framework depends not only on policies and procedures but also on the people implementing them. She believes in empowering her team, sharing her knowledge, and creating an environment where everyone feels comfortable raising concerns and asking questions.

A Commitment to Helping Others

Another driving force behind Sally’s career has been her commitment to helping others. Whether it's guiding a client through complex regulations, advising colleagues on best practices, or mentoring young professionals, Sally is always willing to share her expertise and provide support. This commitment to helping others has not only enriched her career but has also helped her build a strong network of relationships that have been instrumental in her success.

Sally's passion for helping others also extends beyond her professional life. In her spare time, she enjoys yoga, swimming, and reading, which help her maintain a healthy work-life balance. These activities keep her motivated and grounded, allowing her to approach her work with renewed energy and focus.

Lessons for Aspiring Finance Professionals

For those looking to build a successful career in finance, Sally Savoia’s journey offers several valuable lessons. First, invest in your education and keep learning. The financial world is complex and constantly evolving, and staying informed is key to staying ahead.

Second, don’t be afraid to take risks. Moving to a new city or taking on a challenging role can open doors to new opportunities and help you grow in unexpected ways. Sally’s willingness to take calculated risks was a major factor in her success.