Black History Month 2022: a conversation with Saltgate's Moussa Toure
26 October 2022
Each year we celebrate Black History Month, recognising the progress, success, and achievements of black people.
But this doesn’t mean our work to be better should stop.
We spoke to Moussa Toure, Senior Depositary Administrator in our Luxembourg office, to find out more about his journey at Saltgate, and what he feels needs to be done to achieve true equality this Black History Month.
What is your professional background?
Prior to Saltgate, I worked for the NGO ImagiNation Afrika where I prepared and monitored events with local artists and the museum. Before that I was a commercial agent at a national car rental company back in Senegal.
In Luxembourg, I’ve worked in the trade repository, then fund administration sector.
I have a Master’s degree in International Business and Marketing from CEFAM Lyon Business School.
What’s your role and what are your responsibilities at Saltgate?
I’m a Senior Depositary Administrator, so I’m in charge of the cash flow monitoring, asset inventories, and ownership verification among other operational tasks of a specific portfolio of clients.
What’s the best thing about your role?
I have an oversight of fund structure – from the investors to investments – which is really interesting.
What’s the most challenging part?
The controls we need to perform can be challenging. You need to go into detail to understand certain types of transaction or investments, then verify that everything was done according to the CSSF’s regulations and standards.
Why did you go for the role you are in?
I worked as a Fund Administrator for two years at Saltgate before moving to the Depositary team. After a couple of discussions about the potential move and with a colleague’s advice and approval in mind, I didn’t hesitate to make the make the most of the opportunity.
What advice would you give to someone who wants your role?
Be patient, curious, and always be eager to learn.
Have you got a funny work story to share?
During my first few weeks at Saltgate, I was introduced to the whole team, including the managers.
There was a guy who wasn’t in the office every day, so I thought he was a service provider helping out the accounting team as he always sat next to them.
Thanks to a colleague, I realised he was actually the CEO of Saltgate. The guy in question was Simon Riley!
What do you do for fun? Do you have any hobbies?
Besides hanging out with friends, I play basketball, go to the gym occasionally, and love watching football – I’m big Chelsea FC fan! My friends and I love challenging ourselves into replicating delicious dishes we come across.
Who’s your hero?
My parents.
What makes someone succeed at Saltgate?
If you develop the following, you will definitely succeed at Saltgate: hard work, commitment, respect, and eagerness to learn.
What’s your favourite part of Saltgate culture?
How accessible the senior management team are – they’re happy to assist and provide guidance when needed.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
I use this month to learn more about famous figures and their achievements through documentaries, TV shows, and articles.
Do you feel Saltgate truly prioritises diversity and inclusion? Why?
I definitely believe that Saltgate prioritises diversity. There’s no better way to put this into perspective than to look around and see the colleagues you have. In Luxembourg, we have colleagues from all around the world.
What are some things Saltgate and other organisations can do to support full racial equality?
By committing to supporting inclusion and diversity. This will enable people to come together and learn more about each other, helping remove negative stereotypes or mindsets so we can fully respect each other.
What do you think still needs to be done to address inequality and racism in and out of the workplace?
Inequality and racism can be only addressed once people accept the problem exists. Then we can start educating people. It won’t be solved overnight, but it will at least take us or the future generation into a better environment.