Nathalie Ruiz, Head of Equity Sales, Euronext, won Excellence in Equities at Markets Media’s 2025 European Women in Finance Awards. We caught up with Nathalie to learn more.  

 

What does the “Excellence in Equities” award mean for you and your team?

This recognition is really a reflection of the collective work of our equities team. It demonstrates the confidence our clients have in us and how far we’ve come in positioning Euronext as a trusted partner in today’s equity markets.

It’s also a celebration of partnership – not only across our own internal  teams, but with our clients and between exchanges. We’ve worked hard to adapt to client needs, collaborate across geographies, and turn ideas into tangible solutions – like the launch of Auction Volume Discovery (AVD) order type, an initiative born in Switzerland that’s now expanding across our markets to help market participants easily source additional liquidity that is currently untapped during auction periods.

Ultimately, it’s about excellence in execution, innovation and relationships – and I’m proud of how the team embodies all three.

 

What do you believe were the defining steps that led to this achievement?

Looking back, I’d say it comes down to a mix of resilience, curiosity, and staying open to growth, even when things felt uncomfortable.

Throughout my career, I’ve never been afraid to roll up my sleeves and take on challenges that, at first, felt a bit beyond me. I’ve learned the most in those moments where I thought, “I’m not quite ready for this,” but did it anyway. Every time, that’s where growth happened.

I’ve also been incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by brilliant people – real market experts who set the bar high and were generous with their knowledge. Being in that kind of environment teaches you to listen, to adapt quickly, and to keep pushing yourself forward.

So if I had to summarise it: the defining steps weren’t just the big wins – they were the moments of learning, persistence, and humility along the way. The times I said yes when it would have been easier to stay in my comfort zone. That’s what ultimately led me here.

 

What skills or principles have contributed most to your success in equity trading?

A few principles have stayed constant throughout my career.

First, believe in yourself – but surround yourself with people who believe in you too. That support strengthens your own confidence.

Second, never stop learning. Markets evolve every day, and curiosity is what keeps you relevant.

Third, do what you say. Consistency and integrity are powerful in this industry. Build relationships based on trust, respect others, and whenever you can, give back – to your colleagues, your clients, and the next generation coming in.

 

Who has been most instrumental in supporting your career?

I’ve been very lucky to have incredible supporters – peers, mentors, family, and friends.

One experience early in my career still shapes how I lead today. I remember executing my very first trade. The client called back moments later, upset and claiming I’d traded in the wrong direction. My heart was racing, but I stayed calm, reversed the trade with a small loss, and immediately came clean to my manager.

The head of the institutional desk overheard everything. Without knowing whether I was right or wrong, he stood by me and told the client, “Mistakes happen – what matters is that we stay transparent and respectful.”

Later, we reviewed the tape and confirmed the trade had been correct. But the real lesson was in his leadership – standing by his team, valuing honesty over ego. It was a make-or-break moment for me, and it’s a standard I’ve carried with me ever since.

 

What guidance would you offer to women – or anyone – starting out in equities or sales roles?

My advice is for anyone junior starting out in finance, not just women:

Walk, don’t run. Take the time to learn, absorb, and understand the ecosystem.

Embrace every opportunity that comes your way, even the ones that feel too small or too challenging.

Never stop learning, and review your goals regularly – they’ll evolve as you grow.

When I started out on a small retail desk, I dreamed of working on the institutional side. Looking back, I learned the ropes on that small desk – where no job was too small and there was nowhere to hide. It was because I went above and beyond in that role that I was trusted with the next opportunity.

Be curious, ask questions, and show genuine interest in what’s happening around you.

And last but not least – network, network, network. Relationships are the foundation of this business.

 

Looking ahead, what do you see as the key to sustaining excellence in equities?

Excellence isn’t a destination – it’s something you work at every day.

For us, it means staying close to clients, anticipating needs rather than reacting, and continuing to innovate. Our quant research team is a huge differentiator – they help clients navigate volatility with actionable data and insights.

It also means continuing to empower people – creating an environment where everyone feels they can contribute, learn, and lead.

The equities market is evolving fast, but with strong teams, trusted partnerships, and a shared vision, I’m confident we’ll keep shaping the future of European equities together.