Voice of Experience: Natalie Horton, Head of Synthetic Equity Trading for North America, Deutsche Bank

nataliehortonBy Melissa J. Anderson (New York City)

Natalie Horton, Head of Synthetic Equity Trading for North America at Deutsche Bank, has spent seventeen years learning the business. And her biggest piece of advice comes down to building relationships.

“Network – I could say it a thousand times. It’s so important. Above you, around you, and below you,” she said. “Get to know everyone. That’s how you learn. If I have any sort of problem, maybe I don’t have the answer, but I know who does,” she explained.

Horton has built her career by taking risks and making connection with others – and, she said – she wants more women to feel comfortable doing the same.

Taking Risks

While attending New York University, Horton interned at the American Stock Exchange and the New York Cotton Exchange. After graduating in 1994, Natalie joined Morgan Stanley, where she worked for eight years in equity derivatives trading. In 2002, she left with her boss to co-run a volatility arbitrage book at Deutsche Bank.

After two years, she moved back into single stock option trading and went on to build out the variance swap platform. Then about four years ago, Horton built the Bank’s US synthetic index trading platform.

Horton said, “I’m most proud of the fact that I took these risks, as it has made for an incredibly rewarding and challenging career. There have been many unique moments in my career, such as being the only female equity derivative trader when I was at Morgan Stanley. I feel quite fortunate for these types of opportunities to learn, grow, and most importantly, to contribute.”

She continued, “I’m proud of saying, ‘sure, why not?’ from the very beginning.”

Currently, Horton said, she is working on combining two trading businesses. “They’re two completely different types of business – risk and finance. It requires a lot of cross training and combining of technology.”

“Running a new business is intense, but really enjoyable.”

Encouraging Role Models

Horton said she would like to see more women leaders in the financial services industry.

“We need more female role models,” Horton said. “I got started in this industry because of my step-mother. She was a banker in the 1980s. I grew up in the Midwest and had no plans for a career in finance. When I visited New York she would take me to work with her down by Wall Street. I fell in love with it. She helped me apply for college and gave me my first suit. I idolized her.”

She continued, “We need more of that.”

“We’re heading in the right direction. Everybody needs someone to look up to who they can identify with,” she explained.

Horton said the best piece of advice she’s ever gotten is to “treat everyone with respect and kindness.” She explained, “There is already enough stress in this environment, so it’s important.”

Advice for Women in Trading

“There’s one thing I wish I had known – self promotion. I used to keep my head down and think that everyone knew what I was doing. I was very good at networking in my own circle, but I needed to network up and down and outside my circle,” Horton recalled.

“I would advise young women to ask for help. Don’t navigate by yourself. From day one, find mentors, on the same level as you and above you. Just ask questions.”

She continued, “I’m so proud of the women who come to me for advice. I love that – even women from outside my industry. It’s not the easiest thing in the world to raise your hand and ask, but there are so many people willing to help.”

Horton said she finds time to network and seek advice as well. “I’m part of an executive sponsorship program within the equities group for women globally.”

“The women in my group are from all over the world and that’s incredibly important. I’ve also gotten to know the executive committee which is invaluable. And the training programs are also helpful. You can never have enough coaching,” she said.

In Her Personal Time

“I have two boys – aged four and six – and I work long hours. I use every moment outside work to be with my family,” Horton said.

She credits her husband, a stay-at-home dad, with supporting her career. “Having my husband at home allows me to come and go for work as needed. Knowing my kids are taken care of, I can do my job freely.”

  1. Rebecca Lubitz
    Rebecca Lubitz says:

    What wonderful advice from such a successful woman. It is rare in life to find other women that truly offer advice to help other women. Mostly what I see is that women love to eat each other alive in the workplace. Natalie is obviously is very special and I wish there were more women like her standing up for each other, networking, collaborating and supporting one another. Congrats to you Natalie, keep up the great work and thank you for helping other women see how it is done!

  2. Georgina
    Georgina says:

    Well spoken Natalie, especially so for being someone who does as they say they will do. Too many people (and not just women) show a different face depending on who they are associating with. It’s great to see you offer sound advice; clear, direct, true. Let’s hope women, and men, take this to heart.

  3. Judy Brosky
    Judy Brosky says:

    Natalie, you have great insight and wisdom and it is important that you continue to share your point of view. Back in 1983 when I entered the financial services industry I was told rather bluntly…”We don’t do well with women”. I answered “I don’t either (whatever that meant!?) and all I want is to come in for an interview” I landed the job.
    Ignore the naysayers and let everyone know what you do. I was a financial planner for 27 years before I hung up my licenses last year. I remember telling my business owner (men) prospects/clients that to make it in a man’s world I must be really good and better than the men around me and that is why they should work with me. I guess that was a bit of self promotion too.
    You are an inspiration to all women in business. Keep your work/life balance during this time and your life will be full.
    Judy Brosky
    Success Coach for Elite Advisors