Christine Lee, Head of Sales, Business Development and Relationship Management for the Americas at Liquidnet, won Rainmaker Award at Markets Media Group’s 2025 U.S. Women in Finance Awards.

What was your reaction to winning the award?

This was the first ever Rainmaker award, so I was genuinely honored to be the first recipient.  My next reaction was…what a cool award category! Although it is an individual recognition, it reflects a collective effort which include our clients who trust us,  Liquidnet colleagues and leadership who continue to push boundaries, and my two steadfast sponsors who walk alongside me and open doors/opportunities throughout my career.

As Head of Sales, Business Development, and Relationship Management for the Americas, how do you define what it means to be a Rainmaker in today’s financial markets?

To me, being a rainmaker is about creating clarity in complexity and creating action. It’s listening and understanding a client’s needs and objectives in an ever changing environment whether its workflow, technology, market changes, or strategy changes.  Followed by an action plan that consists of connecting with the right people internally and working together to create an appropriate solution.  A lot of times it comes down to being consistent/persistent in communicating both internally and externally, solving problems, and building a bridge.

What accomplishments in your career are you most proud of?

I’m proud of the work that’s driven measurable impact at Liquidnet as client needs evolve, most recently around algo wheels and automation, as well as building trusted client partnerships that adapt alongside changing markets.

I’m equally proud to be able to have impact beyond the desk. Serving as Chair of STA Women in Finance has been one of the most meaningful accomplishments of my career. Through this platform, we launched the first ever national mentorship program over the summer, creating a network for career development for the next generation of leaders.  In October, I also had the privilege of moderating our 10th Annual Women in Finance Symposium in Washington, D.C. where we shared insights on impactful and influential leadership in todays world along side the topic of self-advocacy.

And on a personal level, the accomplishment I’m most proud of is raising two children, now 11 and 13, while advancing my career. Being present for them and knowing when to pivot and reprioritize when they need me more than work does has taught me a different kind of leadership: one rooted in boundaries and purpose.

Building revenue is something I’m proud of, but building up people, in my industry and at home, is what I’m most proud of.

How can the industry better support women in developing the relationship-building and strategic skills needed for front-office success?

Women often excel at building relationships both with clients and across internal teams. The real value emerges when those strengths are tied to strategic influence. That starts by having women in rooms where decisions are made and strategy is shaped.  Women often bring different perspectives, diverse thoughts often lead to better ideas, stronger strategy, and more innovative outcomes….and we should want those differences represented at the highest levels.  When women pair strong external client relationships with equally strong internal partnerships, they can move from supporting strategy to shaping it. 

What’s next for you?

Continuing to scale impact for clients, for Liquidnet, and for women in finance. I want to drive innovation across multi-asset execution and liquidity, while building high performing teams, and elevate incoming leaders to rise to their potential.  What I really would like though, is to break 85 on the golf course!  There’s still meaningful work to be done on all fronts, and that’s what keeps me motivated and moving!