Interested in getting a glimpse into the fascinating world of finance? This online event for OBMs and BMS students will involve our expert alumni panel answering questions and discussing their extensive knowledge of the sector.

Find out more about the types of roles available, how to secure experience and employment in finance, and the career journeys of these leading professionals. 

Chris McHugh (1975-85)

Director of the Centre for Sustainable Finance at the London Institute of Banking and Finance

Chris is a PhD researcher at the University of Southampton and Senior Adviser to the International Association of Credit Portfolio Managers which sees him working with development banks and export credit agencies on risk management strategies. He has over 20 years experience in financial markets, trading and structuring derivatives at HSBC, Credit Suisse, Deutsche Bank, and at Merrill Lynch in investment banking.

Josh Butten (2002-10)

 Director and Certified Financial Planner at boosst

Josh joined the family business in 2010 straight from BMS and never looked back. boosst are small but mighty, with a 15-strong team which went on to be awarded the title of the UK’s Best Financial Planning Firm in 2020.

Josh works with around 100 families - helping them to plan for life’s challenges and guiding them through to a successfully and happy retirement. His head start from school meant he became the youngest ever Chartered and Certified Financial Planner in 2015, and in 2020 he completed a Masters degree in Financial Planning and Business Management. 

Nicholas Luder (1993-03)

Director at Credit Suisse

On leaving BMS Nicholas spent a gap year in China before attending LSE to study Economics with Economic History. On graduating he joined American Investment Bank JP Morgan as an Analyst in the Foreign Exchange Derivatives Trading division.

He rose to the rank of Vice President before taking some time out of the market to run his own businesses in the fitness industry. He later returned with Standard Chartered Bank where he was given a wide trading remit covering both emerging and developed market currencies. In 2018 he was recruited by Credit Suisse as a Director of Trading and as Global 'Book Runner' for the EU/UK area, in particular to help navigate the portfolio in the aftermath of Brexit.

Beyond banking Nicholas is the Chair of Trustees to a Community charity in Camden, Secretary and Treasurer to a new Housing Association and Policy Advisor to environmental charity Just One Tree. 

Louise Smith (2003-05)

M&A Tax Manager at KPMG

Louise completed a Bachelor’s in Music at King’s College London and The Royal Academy of Music followed by a Masters in Musicology. After graduating Louise worked as a Marketing Assistant at the Incorporated Society of Musicians, a not-for-profit organisation which campaigns on behalf of musicians.

Following this, Louise moved to work for J&A Beare. After four years there Louise decided to make a career change and, in 2015, was selected for the KPMG Tax Graduate Programme. Louise qualified as a Chartered Accountant and Tax Advisor in 2018. Since then she has primarily worked in the deal advisory tax team working with clients such as Softbank, WeWork, Anglo American and Goldman Sachs. She is currently on secondment to Cazoo as Head of Tax.

 Rob Gaskell (1984-89)

Founder and Partner of Appold

Rob is an investor and advisor to the emerging technology sector with more than 28 years of experience running and expanding international financial organisations.

His company, Appold, is an emerging technology advisory and investment firm focused on fintech, blockchain, DeFi and AI. Appold assists technology providers, investment groups and institutions, with services including growth, M&A and technology implementation.

Before setting up Appold, Rob was a co-founder of 2030 and President of the Pillar Project, both well-respected Blockchain companies. Before that, Rob was a Director of Stonehage Fleming, one of the largest independent multi-service family offices, and Ermitage, a specialist asset manager, focused on the Hedge fund industry.

Angharad Binnington (2006-08)

Director and Senior Relationship Manager at Bank of America, Merill Lynch