Hrushikesh Gupte
Hrushikesh Gupte
My journey into finance took a pivotal turn when I pursued a Master’s in Financial Management at the University of East London in 2008. After completing my undergraduate degree in India, I wanted an international experience to broaden my understanding of global financial systems, and London felt like the perfect place. The programme at UEL was the right balance of theory and practical application, setting the foundation for my career.
One of the key experiences that helped shape my career was the dissertation project. I chose to focus on mergers and acquisitions in banking and their effect on share prices. This was a challenging topic, but with the guidance of my instructors, I was able to produce a detailed report. This dissertation became a significant talking point during my job interviews and helped me land my first role in banking. It showed potential employers that I had not only the theoretical knowledge but also the practical skills to analyse and solve real-world problems.
I currently work as a Vice President at Citibank in India, within the Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) department. My focus is on managing the deposits business for the Treasury and Trade Solutions (TTS) division, specifically for the EMEA region. I navigate various challenges, particularly after the restructuring the bank underwent last year. Managing deposit balances across multiple currencies in the EMEA region is a key part of my work, which involves a lot of analysis, forecasting, and regulatory reporting. It’s a cyclical process tied to quarterly planning, but I find it incredibly engaging. The most challenging aspect is the stress testing scenarios, especially with a focus on US regulatory requirements, but I enjoy the depth of analysis and the responsibility that comes with it.
Whilst I thoroughly enjoy my career, I believe it is essential to balance this with personal hobbies outside of work to avoid burnout. I’ve always been active in sports—especially cricket—and I’ve played both with Deutsche Bank and Citibank. Following the Premier League is another passion of mine, and I try to catch matches whenever I can. Wildlife photography is another hobby I deeply enjoy. India has some beautiful national parks, and I love spending time in nature, away from the hustle of daily life. It’s a peaceful and calming experience, and the photography allows me to capture some truly incredible moments.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue my career at Citibank, while also pursuing an LLB degree through a correspondence programme. Inspired by my father, a lawyer, I’ve always been intrigued by law and see it as the next step in my journey of lifelong learning and personal growth.
If I could give advice to current or future students, it would be to not hold back. If you find yourself stuck or struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out to your professors or fellow students. The university has all the resources you need to succeed, and getting help is an important part of learning. Use the library, talk to your tutors, and make the most of the opportunities around you.
