The finance industry is highly competitive and only the best rise to the top. It is in this industry that Aba Quansah has managed to cut a niche for herself, as a risk analyst. Aba is currently the AVP, Senior Compliance Analyst at Citi, and has held this position for the last 3 years and 10 months. To rise to such a senior management level is not easy. Aba started a banker at US Bank and worked there for two years. She then switched jobs and went to work as a Reconciliation Specialist at MV transportation. She then returned to mainstream banking and took the role of Fraud Analyst II at Bank of America, a role she held for a year and seven months. Her longest career stint before joining Citi was at Capital One, a company where she worked for 6 years. She entered Capital One as an AML Investigative Analyst and held this role for 2 years. She was then promoted to the position of AML Senior Investigator and held this role for 4 years before joining Citi in 2016. Aba’s career has a basis on her skills that she can trace back to academics. She holds a bachelor of finance degree in finance from Northern Kentucky University, a degree that has been a key pillar to her career growth.
How did you get started in this business?
I developed a passion for finance at a very young age. One of my uncles was a banker and I admired his lifestyle. However, my real start in the industry started when I enrolled for a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance at Northern Kentucky University.
How do you make money?
I earn a salary, and this has been my primary way of making money in the finance industry. I have spent over 10 years in the industry working with multiple banks.
How long did it take for you to become profitable?
My role is more of selling skills so technically my skills became profitable from the first day I started earning a salary at US Bank, and to my current position at Citi.
When you were starting out, was there ever a time you doubted it would work? If so, how did you handle that?
I never really doubted myself. I had seen my uncle succeed in the banking world, and I always knew that I too can make it.
How did you get your first customer?
This role is left to the marketing side of the corporation work for. My role is mainly to handle their finance roles.
What is one marketing strategy (other than referrals) that you’re using that works really well to generate new business?
The corporation I work for invests heavily in multiple marketing strategies. My role is to serve customers in the best way possible and help retain them.
What is the toughest decision you’ve had to make in the last few months?
I have made multiple tough decisions since COVID-19 started. I cannot pinpoint a single one.
What do you think it is that makes you successful?
I believe it is hard work and a passion for what I do that has played the biggest role in my success.
What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
Anytime I help the organization minimize risks while at the same time growing revenues, I feel happy.
What does the future hold for your business? What are you most excited about?
The future is bright for risk management because financial risks are getting more complex. I am most excited about A.I modeling in financial management. It will be a game-changer.
What business books have inspired you?
I am most inspired by the book the seven habits of highly effective people, by Stephen Covey. It has very insightful ideas on how to achieve a lot even with limited time resources.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
I would advise my younger self to set goals as stay focused on them. It’s the secret to success.
Are you willing to be a mentor? If so, how should someone contact you?
Yes, I would gladly mentor anyone interested in the finance industry.