Trailblazer Chloe Hickey-Jones

Chloe Hickey-Jones is a Director and Lead Equity Investment Specialist for Global Equities at UBS Asset Management, based in London. She oversees specialist coverage for global core and value equity strategies and is responsible for marketing, communication and client engagement across the Global Equity platform for clients globally.

Alongside her broader remit, Chloe specialises in sustainable and impact investing, providing ESG advisory support to the Active Equities platform and working closely with investment teams on sustainability integration, impact positioning and client communication.

Chloe began her career in Sydney before joining UBS Asset Management as an Associate in the Client Coverage team. She holds a Bachelor of International and Global Studies (Honours) from the University of Sydney and the CFA UK Investment Management Certificate (IMC).

Outside of work, Chloe is actively involved in industry initiatives, including Women in Banking & Finance UK, where she served on the Future Leaders Board and now remains an engaged alumnae. She is passionate about supporting the progression of women in finance, particularly through mentoring junior talent and contributing to initiatives that help build a strong pipeline of future leaders. When she’s not working, she is usually running after her two-year-old son.

How did you get involved with WIBF?

I first got involved with Women in Banking & Finance UK (WIBF) shortly after relocating to London in 2020. I had just moved from Sydney, Australia and started a new role in the middle of a very uncertain time, so I was actively looking for ways to build connections and find a sense of community in the industry.

WIBF stood out because of its focus on both advocacy and practical action. I initially joined through the Future Leaders Shadow Board as part of the Thought Leadership pillar, working on the Accelerating Change Together research programme. That experience gave me exposure to a wide cross-section of the industry and reinforced how important it is to challenge structural barriers collectively.

Building on that, I went on to spearhead the development of the Future Leaders Network. The idea was to create a space specifically for those in the first 10 years of their careers to connect, share experiences and support one another. While I’m incredibly proud to have been part of shaping it in its early stages, what’s been most rewarding is seeing how it has evolved which is thanks to the energy and commitment of those who have taken it forward. It’s now the largest network within WIBF, and a genuinely engaged and supportive community, which is a testament to the many people who have contributed to its success.

What action have you taken in your career to help you find opportunities to develop and continue your growth?

For me, development hasn’t followed a linear or predefined path, so I’ve had to be quite proactive and open-minded about creating opportunities.

A big part of that has been actively seeking out different experiences and being willing to step outside of my immediate remit. This has included moving across roles and geographies, as well as raising my hand for projects that offered exposure to new areas of the business. Those experiences have been invaluable in helping me build a broader understanding of how different parts of an organisation operate and connect.

Within my role, I’ve also tried to position myself at the intersection of different teams, working closely across investments, distribution, product, sustainability and more. That exposure has given me a much more holistic view of the investment management industry and reinforced how important stakeholder management is. Being able to connect people, understand different perspectives, and communicate effectively across functions is just as critical as technical expertise.

Equally important has been investing in relationships. Mentors and peers have played a significant role in my development – not just in providing guidance, but in asking the right questions and encouraging me to think more critically about my own path. I’ve also tried to contribute to that ecosystem myself, particularly through initiatives like the Future Leaders Network, which creates opportunities for shared learning and connection.

Do you have any helpful tools, methods or resources you can recommend to our members, such as books or podcasts for example?

I tend to rely less on any single resource and more on a combination of habits that support ongoing learning.

Firstly, reading widely helps me connect dots and think more critically about investment decisions and client conversations.

I’ve also found informal networks to be incredibly valuable. Peer groups, mentoring relationships, and forums like WIBF create spaces where you can ask questions openly and learn from others’ experiences. Some of the most useful insights I’ve gained have come from those conversations rather than formal training.

And, as cheesy as it sounds, the most important “tool” has probably been curiosity – being willing to ask questions, seek out different perspectives, and continuously learn.

What advice would you give to yourself at the outset of your career?

I would probably tell myself not to worry so much about having a perfectly defined plan.

I didn’t start my career in finance in a traditional way, and for a while I questioned whether that would matter. In hindsight, it’s been one of my greatest strengths – having a different academic background has shaped how I think about the role of capital and the broader purpose of the industry.

I would also remind myself that confidence tends to follow experience, not the other way around. It’s easy early on to feel like you need to have all the answers, but a lot of growth comes from stepping into opportunities before you feel completely ready.

Finally, I would emphasise the importance of people. It is by no means a new insight, but building a network has been incredibly valuable in my own career. For me, it’s never been about following a set formula – what has worked best is focusing on genuine relationships and letting connections grow naturally.