Community is key at Saltgate

Our service delivery is second to none, and our clients see us as a trusted partner and extension of their teams.

Our strong community builds the foundations for this – every colleague is supported and empowered in in their role, and together as a team, we make valuable contributions to Saltgate’s goals, ambitions, and service delivery.

We spoke to Antonio Pimentel, Head of Client Due Diligence to learn more about his experience with Saltgate and what he thinks sets us apart from our competitors.

What’s your role and what are your responsibilities within Saltgate?

I’m a Director and the Head of CDD. Client Due Diligence acts as a first defence against money laundering and terrorist financing, ensuring both our Company and our clients are protected against these threats. We use documentation from clients, investors, screening, and searches to mitigate these risks.

What is your professional background?

I have 12 years’ experience in banking, fund, trust, and depositary services in different areas. I started in billing, gained experience as a Management Accountant, and worked as a Product Manager for custody and fund services products. I then moved into onboarding where I became Head of Onboarding and Regulatory Reporting, prior to joining Saltgate.

How did you get to Saltgate?

After exploring all my options with my former employer, I couldn’t find anything that was the right fit, so I started looking for new opportunities with a recruiter. This position felt like the perfect fit and a step-up career wise.

What advice would you give to someone who wants your role?

First, never neglect your studies. Qualifications are key for this type of role. Second, never stop learning and investigating. Third, take chances, make mistakes, and learn from it.

What are the best and most challenging parts of your role?

The best part is the exposure we get to other teams, clients, structures. It gives us great knowledge and insight on how the industry works. The most challenging is the level of responsibility – as a Director, it’s expected that you can make well-informed, well-documented decisions in a fast and consistent matter.

What’s the biggest misconception about your job?

That it’s just documents! CDD has evolved significantly and nowadays is more about mitigating risk than validating passports.

What do you do for fun?

Sports and food are my go to’s. I play golf, surf, and snowboard, and I travel specifically to go to amazing restaurants. This year is Osteria Francescana in Modena, Italy.

Who’s your hero?

To quote Matthew McConaughey, ‘my hero is who I chase, me in 10 years’. We all want to be better versions of ourselves, and we learn a lot from what we see and who we socialise with. Our parents are a big part of this, as are our friends, siblings, colleagues, but we are our own selves too. I look to chase a better version of me and that is me tomorrow, in a week, or in 10 years, just keep chasing!

What’s been the highlight of your week?

The change in weather! I love the sun. I automatically feel better and more energised when the sun is out and the days are longer.

What do you think makes someone succeed at Saltgate?

Hard work and seizing opportunities. Opportunities don’t present themselves without hard work, but we need to be aware of and seize them when we can.

What’s your favourite part of Saltgate culture?

People care and respect each other. At Saltgate, ‘people care’ is not just a slogan, it is embraced by everyone!