Amanda Deckelman, Managing Director and Global Head of Short Rates Sales at Bank of America, won Excellence in Trading (Sell-side) at Markets Media Group’s 2025 U.S. Women in Finance Awards.

What was your reaction to winning the award?

I was truly honored to receive this award among such talented peers. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the progress we’ve made—both as an industry and at Bank of America. This recognition reflects not just individual effort, but the collective commitment of our team to deliver innovative solutions and exceptional client outcomes. Celebrating alongside my manager and colleagues made the experience even more special. Their support has been instrumental in my growth and reinforced how much collaboration drives success.

Can you share a bit about how you started your education and career?

I studied Economics and Political Science at the University of Notre Dame, driven by a fascination with the intersection of public policy and economic forces—particularly how government decisions and global events influence market pricing and investor behavior. That curiosity shaped my career path and led me to global markets.

I began as an intern at Merrill Lynch in 2007, just before the global financial crisis. By 2008, I was trading on the repo desk during unprecedented market turmoil. Working there taught me the mechanics of liquidity, collateral, official sector intervention, and risk management in real-time, which gave me a strong foundation for understanding market dynamics under stress and the “tail scenarios” we price for.

Those early years taught me resilience and the importance of staying calm under pressure. They also reinforced my passion for markets and client solutions, which has guided my career ever since.

Which innovations or shifts in trading are you most excited about?

I’m most excited about the innovations that are reshaping market structure and driving efficiency across trading. Clearing and market structure evolution continues to be a major focus, as it enhances transparency and allows for additional trading capacity. Another area that excites me is the further electronification and streamlining of the U.S. Treasury repo market—this shift toward automation and standardization is transforming liquidity management and improving execution speed broadly across the franchise.

In addition, the global expansion of financing markets is opening new opportunities for clients and banks, enabling more seamless cross-border solutions. I’m energized by how evolving client needs are driving innovation—whether through technology, new products, or enhanced service and clearing models.

Finally, emerging trends like tokenization have the potential to redefine how assets are issued, traded, and settled. While still early-stage, these developments could fundamentally change market infrastructure and open up new possibilities for efficiency and accessibility.

Have you mentored women in finance, and what lessons or guidance do you find yourself giving most often?

Yes, I’ve had the privilege of mentoring women in finance, and it’s something I’m deeply passionate about. One piece of guidance I often share is the importance of maintaining long-standing connections—relationships built early in your career can open doors and provide support throughout your professional journey.  Personally, I’ve prioritized this and have connections that span my career—many with women I admire and respect, from whom I continue to receive advice and mentorship.

I emphasize that it’s absolutely possible to build a successful career in finance while balancing personal priorities. Demonstrating that flexibility exists—and that a career in markets can adapt to different life stages—is critical to attracting and retaining talent. We have a responsibility to make that path visible and accessible. I believe strongly in a “pay it forward” mentality. As we advance, it’s our responsibility to create an environment where all professionals feel empowered to thrive. Mentorship isn’t just about advice—it’s about opening opportunities and showing what’s possible.