Haneesa is a Senior Vice President and part of the Credit Risk Management Team (CRM) in the Risk & Performance Management Department at GIC. Her team ensures that GIC engages with financially sound and reputable counterparties, safeguarding the organisation’s investments.
Outside of work, she is passionate about traveling and reading. Both activities offer endless opportunities for discovery—whether it’s exploring a new destination or diving into a new book, there are always countless new pages and places to uncover. This sense of continuous exploration keeps her inspired and curious.
Why did you decide to join GIC?
I believe that some of the best growth opportunities come from on-the-job experiences, After several years in Credit Risk Management at a smaller bank, I was seeking for an opportunity to broaden my experience in Credit Risk and be in a role that would allow me to delve deeper into specific areas of credit risk, as well as expand my coverage. GIC, as a global investor, has definitely allowed me to do so.
What does your typical workday look like?
I begin my day by reviewing the latest news and developments, as well as catching up on emails – this often starts on my daily commute! The day’s activities can vary significantly depending on market conditions, counterparty developments, and any urgent requests we may receive. It’s never a dull moment!
On an ongoing basis, we regularly review our counterparties and handle various requests from business groups seeking to onboard new counterparties or expand existing coverage. Staying updated on the latest regulatory developments and understanding how these might impact our counterparties is also crucial. Additionally, I allocate time for ongoing projects, which often involve extensive research, data analysis, and discussions with our counterparties and other teams within GIC.
What do you like most about working here?
I am truly grateful to have been part of a supportive and close-knit team for the past 9 years, with supervisors and seniors who have offered me countless learning opportunities and guidance whenever needed. My teammates have also been a joy to work with. Knowing that we consistently support and can lean on each other has definitely been a highlight of my working experience at GIC. This strong relationship with the team has also led to friendships that I’ll always treasure, and we often jokingly refer to ourselves as the #crmfamily.
How would you describe the learning & development culture at GIC?
Learning and career development have always been priorities at GIC. Given the extensive scope of our work, I’ve had the opportunity to engage in a wide range of projects which have contributed to my professional growth and confidence in my current role. The mentorship from my supervisors, as well as the willingness of my colleagues to share their knowledge and engage in discussion, have been important parts of the learning process. Additionally, GIC has been very supportive of external training to further enhance our subject expertise.
What you should know before joining GIC
Starting your career at GIC will definitely be challenging, with a steep learning curve that will push you to grow professionally and personally (sometimes outside your comfort zone). However, with perseverance, the depth of knowledge and experience you’ll gain, along with the bonds and friendships you form, will undoubtedly make it all worthwhile.