Regina Akhmadinurova
Investment Banking
We sat down with Regina, Vice President Tech/Software Investment Banking in our Paris office to discuss her five years at Bryan, Garnier & Co.
You’ve been at Bryan, Garnier & Co for the last five years. How have your roles and responsibilities evolved, and how has this contributed to your personal and professional growth?
Regina: As a junior, my focus was primarily on production, and as I advanced, my responsibilities shifted towards project and client management, investor interactions, and managing the production. There was a real evolution and growth in various aspects of my role.
What do you appreciate most about working at Bryan Garnier?
The fact that from early on I had an opportunity to work on various types of transactions from Private Placement to PIPE to LBO, as well as our deep sector expertise in Tech and in particular Software among other subsectors. This enabled me to accelerate my learning curve and help me build the foundation I have today.
How do you compare Bryan Garnier to other banks based on what you hear from your peers?
One aspect I particularly appreciate here is the company culture. Everyone is treated with equal respect as human beings regardless of their position, which aligns closely with my personal philosophy. Other factors such as opportunities for career growth and early exposure to quality deals are important to me. I believe Bryan Garnier differentiates itself in each of these aspects.
“One aspect I particularly appreciate here is the company culture. Everyone is treated with equal respect as human beings regardless of their position.”
What are some of the fundamental skills or personal qualities that you need to deal with challenges that come up in your line of work?
For me, the most important one is intelligence: how fast you comprehend concepts, the depth of your understanding, your ability to see the bigger picture, and your analytical skills. It’s also about understanding people and why they behave in certain ways. Investment banking is a “people job” as much as it is a technical job, so these qualities are essential.
What advice would you give to women looking to start a career in investment banking?
I believe the mindset required for success in this career is universal, applicable to both men and women. Personally, I don’t differentiate between genders in terms of mindset. If someone underestimates or overestimates you based on your gender, focus on showcasing your skills, expertise, and competence in your role. Confidence in your abilities can help counteract any biases.