Have you met: Maria Barsa

After completing my A-Levels, I was uncertain about my career path, so I moved to London as an au pair. While there, I found a job at a coffee shop that operated branches within several of London’s investment bank buildings. This was my first exposure to the banking environment. I quickly developed an interest in the world of finance and applied for several banking positions. However, due to my lack of experience, it was difficult to secure a role.

With my goal in sight, I relocated to Vienna. There, within a few days, I secured a position in settlements at Creditanstalt. After gaining just under a year of banking experience, I returned to the UK to start my first banking job at BNP Paribas. There, I was fortunate to have excellent mentors who introduced me to the fast-paced world of London investment banking, where I also met my future husband.

Several years later, I became the supervisor of the settlements team at CSFB London and subsequently took on the role of supervisor in risk management for listed derivatives, focusing on margin and collateral.

In 2008, my husband and I relocated to Vienna, where I joined RSC. My husband, on the other hand, has since joined RBI, allowing us to work “together” yet again. Since then, I have worked in various areas, including securities lending & repo, corporate actions & income, and custody services. Throughout this time, I have actively contributed to numerous projects — ranging from implementing new back-office systems to refining internal processes and responding to evolving market requirements.

Working in banking demands flexibility and the ability to adapt quickly to changing market conditions. I thrive on these continuous challenges and enjoy identifying opportunities to enhance internal workflows. Thanks to the strong support of my colleagues, my work often feels less like a task and more like a rewarding collaboration.

At present, I am deeply engaged in the T+1 initiative, which presents a significant challenge for all market participants.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending quality time with my family and friends. I love being active, especially outdoors — whether running, soaking up the sun, or simply appreciating nature.

Although I was born in Vienna, I grew up in a small town in the Salzburg region. My childhood was filled with outdoor activities like inline skating, swimming in the summer, and skiing in the winter. During my studies, which focused on business and languages, I developed a strong curiosity for the unfamiliar — other countries, cultures, and languages — and have always had a deep passion for traveling.