About

Deborah Hutton outlines how, after completing her academic studies and qualifying as a lawyer, she considered how she could ‘combine passion for an area of expertise with legal and industry work’, in order to embark upon a truly rewarding career. Deducing that this would be best sought in investment legal work, and she moved to ‘a top tier law firm for investment funds’, when the opportunity arose. In private practice she specialised in investment funds and asset management for over six years. Ultimately she was placed on secondment with Citi which eventually led to her move in-house. She has been involved in numerous complex financial projects and regulatory initiatives with Citi since joining them in 2012, and is now EMEA head of legal for Custody and Funds Services. She mentions a number of highlights from her time with Citi. ‘Alongside leading strategic and regulatory projects’, she explained, ‘I also worked on a large merger, and seeing that go smoothly was a highlight, as has been working with regulators in over 50 jurisdictions on various regulatory and industry developments’. Hutton has overseen a number of internal developments to how her team has operated over her time with Citi, and details how these changes have had a positive effect. ‘As well as creating a closer dynamic between the Belfast, Dublin and London teams’, she explains, ‘in terms of information and knowledge-sharing there is an increased focus on being interconnected globally “one team”. Overall, there is increased engagement between all parties and greater sharing of expertise’. Hutton believes that the technical expertise she amassed as part of her private practice career set her up ideally for when she moved in-house, and would urge young aspiring in-house counsel to take note of this: ‘You have to get your technical skills right from the get-go as an in-house lawyer and it is hugely beneficial to work with experts in their chosen fields and to continue to learn from them and others as you progress. As well as this, you have to be more of a self-starter, learn how to communicate effectively, seek out development opportunities and – above all – be respectful to your colleagues’.