Pegah Esmaeili, EMEA Head of Virtu Technology Solutions and Head of Nordic Region at Virtu Financial, won Excellence in Sales & Trading (Equities) at Markets Media’s 2025 European Women in Finance Awards. We caught up with Pegah to learn more.

Pegah, what does winning the Excellence in Sales & Trading (Equities) award represent for you?

It’s a huge honor and feels like recognition of a collective journey. Nothing in this business happens in isolation, I’ve been fortunate to work with an incredible team and clients who continually push us to do better. This award represents consistency, trust, and collaboration. At Virtu, our goal has always been to make market participation simpler and more connected,  whether through initiatives like Virtu Technology Solutions or our Virtu Winter Conference in Stockholm, it’s all about partnership and building an ecosystem where shared expertise drives progress across the entire market.

Now in its third year, our conference has become a recognized Nordic industry event that brings together the buy-side, sell-side, exchanges, and technology partners to share insights, spark innovation, and strengthen relationships across the ecosystem. It perfectly reflects Virtu’s commitment to connection, transparency, and moving markets forward together.

Which key experiences or decisions do you think led to this recognition?

Taking calculated risks and never getting too comfortable. About ten years ago, I took challenges outside my comfort zone, launching into new markets, building client relationships from scratch, and competing in a crowded space. Focusing on long-term partnerships rather than short-term wins proved pivotal.

Patience, persistence, and curiosity have guided me ever since. I’ve always believed that nothing is impossible; it’s just about finding the right way to get there while helping clients and colleagues succeed along the journey.

 

What advice would you offer to women aspiring to leadership roles in trading?

Believe deeply in your ability to belong and don’t wait for the perfect moment. Growth happens outside your comfort zone. Stay curious, stay close to the markets and technology shaping them, and build authentic relationships based on integrity and consistency. Surround yourself with people who challenge and support you, and be that person for others. Leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice; it’s about lifting others and helping move the industry forward together.

 

Who has been particularly supportive or influential in your professional life?

I’ve been very fortunate to work with leaders who trusted me and helped me shaped my approach throughout my career. Daniel Hawkins (Mariana Capital) gave me major responsibilities early in my career, teaching resilience. The late David Sagnier (RFQ-hub) encouraged me to find confidence in my own voice. Rob Boardman (ITG/Virtu) trusted me to build the Nordic region from the ground up, and  David Angel (ITG /Virtu) has been an great manager and mentor for over a decade. Their belief and guidance continue to influence how I lead and make decisions today.

What abilities or perspectives have driven your success in equities trading?

Persistence is the foundation, the drive to never give up and always strive forward, even when things don’t go your way. Curiosity is what keeps me evolving, I’ve always been curious about what drives markets and behavior, and that curiosity keeps the work exciting. Passion ties it all together; it fuels the energy and engagement that clients and colleagues can feel. Success also comes from having the right foundation; working with world-class technology and products allows me to deliver real value and impact every day.