Markets Media spoke with Ellie Lai, Head of Hong Kong Compliance at Instinet / Nomura, who won Excellence in Legal & Compliance at the 2025 Women in Finance Asia Awards.

What inspired you to pursue a career in legal and compliance — and what’s kept you passionate about the field?

My path into legal and compliance was fueled by the understanding that the finance industry relies fundamentally on trust. Compliance isn’t just about enforcing rules—it’s the framework that enables productive relationships with clients, investors, and regulators. Maintaining integrity and transparency builds the reputation needed for enduring relationships. What continues to motivate me is seeing how effective compliance framework doesn’t just mitigate risk but the groundwork that supports responsible business growth for sustainable success.

What’s a skill you’ve found unexpectedly valuable in your career?

Practical problem-solving, driven by critical thinking and flexibility, has been invaluable. In compliance, we navigate complex scenarios where regulations intersect with business realities. This analytical and collaborative approach transforms compliance from a procedural function to a strategic partner. A strong compliance mindset is essential for businesses to meet their obligations, fostering ethical innovation and growth by establishing a foundation of trust and integrity.

You’ve led efforts to improve internal processes which worked closely with business and operations teams. What helps you build strong working relationships across different functions?

One of the most rewarding aspects of my career has been collaborating with diverse business and operations teams. I’m fortunate to work with colleagues from varied backgrounds, different ages, genders, ethnicities, and experience levels—who all bring unique perspectives. The key to success lies in valuing these differences as strengths rather than obstacles. I focus on translating regulations into practical business language, that inspire teams to see how their work contributes to the bigger picture. Trust is built when people feel heard and supported, not policed. Compliance shouldn’t be a roadblock—it should be a partner in building long-term success for the business.

What’s one challenge you’ve faced that helped you grow as a leader?

Everyone goes through the early stages of their career with relative inexperience, doubting their instincts while working alongside seasoned professionals. Some may see this as a challenge, but I see this as a learning opportunity for personal growth while maintaining confidence in my area of expertise. I’ve learned that leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about asking the right questions and empowering others to solve problems together. By fostering a culture where knowledge flows in all directions, a leader creates an environment where diverse viewpoints are welcomed and respected, which is not just top-down. When people feel their ideas matter, they take real ownership—and that’s when the best results happen.

How do you approach mentoring — and what do you try to pass on to the people you support?

My mentoring approach is rooted in reciprocity. While I share technical knowledge and career guidance with junior colleagues, I also gain valuable insights from their fresh perspectives—especially on emerging technologies and generational workplace expectations. The financial industry evolves too rapidly for anyone to have all the answers, that’s why it makes teamwork essential. Mentoring builds vital connections across experience levels, strengthening the entire organization’s capacity for adaptation and growth.

What does good leadership look like to you?

Leadership, to me, means creating an environment where people can do their best work. This requires clarity of vision, psychological safety, and accountability—not just for results, but for how we achieve them. I strive to be a leader who inspires collective action toward shared goals through clear communication, strategic delegation, and genuine respect for every contributor. Great leaders ensure team members feel valued throughout the process, not just upon achievement.

What helps you stay focused and confident when making tough decisions?

When things go wrong, no one has all the answers to solve the problem, so I lean on my team’s collective wisdom. Hard choices are rarely simple, which is why I actively seek different perspectives—it’s the best way to test my own thinking. True confidence doesn’t come from going solo and I trust that “great minds think alike”. Always be humble to ask for input from all levels, this collaborative approach ensures decisions align with both ethical standards and business objectives.

What advice would you give to someone starting out in this field today?

Don’t shy away from asking why things are done a certain way—or from suggesting improvements. The finance industry thrives when teams respectfully challenge the status quo. Always remember: your voice adds value, so speak up. For those new to compliance, my advice is simple: Have the courage to voice out what’s right. Stand by your convictions but stay open to learning. That’s how you earn trust and find allies who share your values. Because at the end of the day, ethical finance depends on people at every level who are willing to speak up for what matters.