In this series, we meet our Sales Consultants and find out a little about what working at Phi means to them.  

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Can you tell us a bit more about your role at Phi? 

“I am really pleased that I have very recently been promoted to Junior Partner. In this role, I’ll be leading GTM for Vendor Platform Managed Services across the firm. I will continue to lead business development across France and the Benelux, working mainly with Tier-1 banks and large asset managers. At its core, my role is about building long-term relationships and really understanding where clients are heading, particularly as they navigate complex technology transformation. 

“That can range from front-office trading platforms and electronic trading to risk systems and data infrastructure. My focus is on connecting those challenges with the right expertise at Phi, and helping clients make sense of increasingly complex technology environments.” 

What does a typical day look like for you?  

“It’s quite varied, which is something I really enjoy. I spend a lot of time in conversation; whether that’s with clients across trading, quant and risk teams, or internally with our consultants to shape the right approach. 

“There’s also a strong focus on staying close to how the industry is evolving. Understanding how firms are structured, where decisions are made, and what their strategic priorities are is often what unlocks real value. No two days are exactly the same, but it’s always a mix of relationship-building, problem-solving and keeping a finger on the pulse of the market.“

How has your background shaped where you are today?  

“I started my career in investment banking in London, first at Crédit Agricole CIB working on regulatory initiatives around the Volcker Rule, and then at BNP Paribas as a Credit Risk Analyst. That experience gave me a strong understanding of how banks operate; from risk and regulation through to decision-making, which is still incredibly relevant when working with clients today. 

“Alongside that, I’ve always been drawn to international environments. During my studies I spent time in Taiwan, and before that, I volunteered in Mexico. Those experiences shaped how I approach collaboration and relationships, especially across cultures. I am fluent in French, English and Spanish, which definitely helps navigate a global industry such as financial markets.“

What do you enjoy most about your role at Phi? 

“For me, it’s the strategic side. You’re working with organisations that are constantly evolving, and being able to understand where they’re going, and help them get there, is both challenging and rewarding. It’s not transactional; it’s about building partnerships that develop over time. 

“That’s also what makes Phi stand out. There’s a real combination of deep capital markets expertise and an entrepreneurial culture. You’re encouraged to take initiative, build your own relationships and carve out your space, which creates a strong sense of ownership and makes it a great place to grow.” 

What advice would you give to someone starting a new role in this space?  

“First, invest time in understanding how financial markets actually work; trading, risk, regulation. It makes a huge difference to how credible you are with clients. 

“Second, start building your network early. It’s a relatively small ecosystem, and those relationships become incredibly valuable over time. 

“And finally, embrace international opportunities where you can. It’s a global industry, and being able to work across cultures and perspectives is a real advantage, not just professionally, but personally as well.“

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Desmond Stockdale, the CEO of Phi, shared these thoughts about Romain’s promotion:   

“Some announcements are a genuine pleasure to make. I’m delighted that Romain Houllier has been promoted to Junior Partner at Phi. Romain joined us eight years ago from BNP Paribas, where he was a credit risk analyst. I saw something in him that told me his future was in sales; and backing that instinct has been one of the most rewarding decisions of my career. 

“What’s always set Romain apart is his appetite to be pushed. He’s asked for the deep end from day one, and that mindset has forged an exceptionally rare all-round skill set. He is someone who can win tier-one global institutions and develop them into multi-million pound accounts with genuinely happy clients on the other side. In our industry, people tend to be good at one or the other. Romain is outstanding at both. 

“Promotions to partnership aren’t about a single moment. They’re the product of years of consistency, judgement, and the trust you build with clients and colleagues. Romain has earned this many times over. Congratulations, Romain. Thrilled to have you in the partnership and excited for what we build next.“

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We are currently developing our Sales and Research team, to support our rapidly growing business needs. If you believe you could be a good fit for Phi, then please click here for more details about the role and the recruitment process.