Introduction
Hello, I’m Stanley Zhang, a graduate of UCLA with a master's in quantitative economics. My career journey began in the commercial banking industry, where I served as a Credit Analyst for one of California's largest regional banks. My responsibilities included in-depth industry analysis, financial status assessments of companies, and evaluating collateral and borrowing bases. I also structured loans to meet both client needs and institutional risk standards, ensuring a solid balance between lending and risk management.
This journey, however, has its roots in my undergraduate studies in International Economics and Trade in China. During my undergraduate years, I had the opportunity to participate in an exchange program at Columbia University in the United States. This experience not only deepened my academic knowledge but also broadened my perspective on global economics and finance. The exposure to the dynamic learning environment and diverse cultural interactions inspired me to pursue further studies in the U.S., leading to my decision to return for graduate school.
This international academic foundation has profoundly shaped my approach to my career, allowing me to bridge cross-border perspectives and bring a global outlook to my work in commercial banking.
Currently, I’m focused on my role as a Financial Analyst at an eCommerce trading company in the US, while also serving as a co-founder of an Payment Service Provider (PSP) company outside US that primarily serves eCommerce businesses. In my FA role, I am deeply involved in financial analysis, collaborating with internal teams and external stakeholders, such as vendors and banks across Europe and the US. In my role as a PSP co-founder, I am involved in strategic decisions, including risk management, chargeback monitoring, and fraud prevention, although this role is not based in the US, it continues to nurture my expertise in the financial sector, enriching my work in the financial analysis field.
Finance Fellow
career options
Professionals in this role analyze industry trends, assess company financials, and evaluate collateral to determine appropriate loan structures.
Responsible for client engagement and satisfaction, this role requires an understanding of client needs and the ability to tailor financial products and services accordingly.
Risk managers specialize in identifying and mitigating risks in financial transactions, particularly in areas like credit and operations, which is crucial in both banking and payments.
In this role, professionals oversee payment gateways and collaborate with financial institutions to support secure online transactions for merchants.
A crucial role in payment services, fraud analysts detect and prevent fraudulent activities through close monitoring of transaction patterns and risk analysis.
Finance Fellow
skills
What are the main hard skills you use on a daily basis in your current job?
Conducting comprehensive analyses to understand industry dynamics and assess financial health, which is fundamental for both loan structuring in banking and assessing merchant risk in payment services.
I first developed this skill as a Credit Analyst in commercial banking, where I analyzed industries and financials to support lending decisions. Running a PSP further refined my ability to assess merchant risks in diverse industries.
Evaluating assets as collateral and establishing borrowing bases to ensure secure lending structures, balancing client needs and institutional risk requirements.
I gained experience in this area during my time in commercial banking, working on secured loans that required thorough collateral evaluation. My PSP experience allowed me to adapt these skills to payment services, particularly in credit risk analysis.
Designing loan structures tailored to client needs and risk parameters, including terms, covenants, and repayment conditions, critical in commercial banking.
This expertise was built through hands-on experience structuring loans for mid-sized enterprises in commercial banking and has been applied to developing tailored payment solutions for merchants in the PSP space.
Developing financial forecasts and models to support strategic planning and decision-making, a skill essential for analyzing growth opportunities and profitability, particularly as a financial analyst.
I learned financial modeling during my graduate studies in quantitative economics and further strengthened it by applying these methods to loan assessments in banking and payment cycle optimization in the PSP industry.
Conducting thorough assessments to onboard and underwrite merchants in the PSP space, working closely with bank partners to ensure compliance and reduce exposure to risk.
I built this skill in commercial banking through credit underwriting for corporate clients, which seamlessly transitioned to evaluating merchant applications and compliance requirements in the PSP industry.
What are the main soft skills you use on a daily basis in your current job?
Essential for breaking down complex financials and industry data, helping ensure all factors are considered in loan structuring and risk assessment.
I regularly communicate complex concepts in simple terms, from loan terms to payment processing details, ensuring clarity for clients and partners.
Both in banking and payment services, unique challenges often arise, requiring tailored solutions to meet client needs and mitigate risks.
Shifting between commercial banking and PSP responsibilities requires adaptability to navigate different financial environments.
Working with banks, vendors, and internal teams, collaboration is crucial to align on goals and manage cross-border payments and risk factors effectively.
Jiayuan
’s personal path
Tell us about your personal journey in
Finance Fellow
:
My journey in finance began in China, where I cultivated an early interest in global economics and quantitative analysis.
When I first moved to the U.S., I faced challenges adapting to the fast-paced and competitive environment of American academics and professional life. However, the diverse and inclusive culture also motivated me to explore new opportunities and build a strong foundation for my career.
The job search process for my first position was both rigorous and enlightening. Securing a role in commercial banking required persistent networking, leveraging online platforms, and navigating multiple rounds of interviews. My initial interviews were challenging—I had to adapt quickly to the expectations of a new industry and culture—but I refined my approach by seeking feedback and staying resilient, which ultimately led to securing my first role as a Credit Analyst.
The transition into running a payment service provider (PSP) stemmed from a growing interest in the digital transformation of finance. I wanted to contribute to a space where innovation was reshaping the way businesses and consumers interact with financial systems. Building my own PSP allowed me to address complex challenges, such as risk management, cross-border transactions, and compliance, while driving financial inclusivity and efficiency.
This journey, though not always linear, has been a blend of personal growth and professional discovery. Each step—from navigating cultural shifts to overcoming early career challenges—has deepened my expertise and passion for the ever-evolving finance industry.
What would you tell your younger you regarding building your current career?
I would tell my younger self that the career path in finance is vast, and there’s no single way to achieve your goals. Explore as many areas as possible early on and stay open to change. Building a career is a learning journey—each role, regardless of how big or small, will add value to your experience.
If I could go back to when I graduated from UCLA, I’d remind myself of the time I almost gave up after receiving multiple rejections during my job search. I vividly remember one interview where I stumbled on a technical question I thought I had prepared for, and it left me feeling defeated. But instead of dwelling on it, I reached out to the interviewer for feedback, refined my approach, and treated each rejection as a step closer to success. That persistence ultimately landed me my first role in commercial banking, which opened the doors to everything I’ve achieved since. I’d tell myself that setbacks are part of the process and to trust that every effort, even the failed ones, contributes to the bigger picture.
Final thoughts & tips
If you’re interested in finance or payment services, remember that both hard and soft skills are equally important. Keep learning new tools, stay informed about industry trends, and never underestimate the value of a strong professional network. Each experience, whether in banking or payment services, will bring you closer to finding your niche.
Resources to dig in more
Wall Street Oasis - Credit Analyst Guide
Provides comprehensive resources on different finance roles, including Credit Analysis.
Investopedia - Risk Management in Banking
Offers articles and tutorials on risk management, relevant for those interested in finance and banking.
Finextra - Payment Services Industry News
Finextra covers the latest news and developments in payment technology and PSPs.
LinkedIn Learning - Financial Analysis Courses
Courses on financial analysis, providing in-depth learning opportunities for those interested in finance and banking.