As a Senior Vice President for Trade Support at Penserra Securities, George Martin serves a crucial role in meeting the investment expectations of institutional investors. At STAC, he has served as a director since 2013, where in addition to his unmatched industry support, he is a lauded member of the STAC “Mac and Cheese Crew,” which regularly gives back to the community through volunteer work with The Night Ministry, an organization that provides human connection, housing support, and health care to members of the Chicagoland community. You can often find George serving meals at The Crib, The Night Ministry's overnight shelter for LGBTQ young adults.

Having weathered many changes and challenges in the industry during the past three decades, George attributes his success to learning to adapt, and “never being complacent,” advising other members to “always push yourself to acquire more knowledge and grow your professional network.” You probably didn’t know this about George: he’s been a coach to kids in Humbolt Park, Pilsen, and other underserved neighborhoods for nearly 40 years.

Read on to learn more about his STAC journey.

Why did you join STAC?
Trading and financial services is obviously a large industry in Chicago. I’ve been involved for three decades now. I joined STAC to expand my imprint in the industry, grow my professional connections, and keep up on trends and changes within the industry. 

What professional skillset has helped you succeed in your career?

I’d have to say adaptability. When I was starting out, most trades were person-to-person and recorded with pencil and paper. That was changing fast with the advent of electronic trading. Today we are constantly dealing with digital transformation – with artificial intelligence beginning to make as big an impact as electronic networks and cloud computing did two decades ago. It would be difficult to navigate this constantly changing industry if one were not able – and eager to – consistently adapt.

What would you tell your younger self just starting your career?

Never be complacent. Always push yourself to acquire more knowledge and grow your professional network. That’s the beauty of STAC; it offers so many networking and educational opportunities that are especially crucial to a young professional as they begin their journey in this industry. STAC YP especially is a wonderful opportunity as it offers a unique environment where young professionals can gather, engage and learn alongside their peers and seasoned industry veterans. This is key for anyone in our industry who wants to build their professional network and be engaged in the next era of securities trading in Chicago.

Can you share an example of a STAC member who has served as a mentor to you and played a significant role in your professional development?
Early in my career, I met a gentleman by the name of Paul Harvey with Brinson Partners. I covered him on the trading floor. He gave me the insight I would need to succeed in that arena. We were both at an event one night. I dressed in business casual – a nice sweater shirt, slacks. He was suited and let me know you can’t overdress for such events. I was sure to have a jacket on going forward. It was a small but incredibly important lesson to learn that has stuck with me to this day.

How has STAC increased the value you bring to your organization?
In a word: Connections. I believe STAC has been an incredible asset to my firm. It’s enabled me to make introductions with potential clients and vendors, and to continuously promote our organization.

Why are the educational and networking opportunities STAC offers so critical to someone starting out in/looking to advance their career?
The best way to stay relevant in this industry is to increase your knowledge of current trends and changes. As far as networking opportunities, people make decisions. The more decision makers you connect with, the better chance you have of promoting your individual agendas and that of your organization. That’s why STAC’s events are so unique. Whether it’s a causal networking event, a Young Professionals gathering, our STAC Fund Hockey Tournament or our annual Mid-Winter Meeting (now in its 99 th year) – STAC educational and networking events will help you power your career and build your professional network.

What is your favorite STAC event and why?
The top two would be our Members Only appreciation event and the Mid-Winter Meeting. I will have to give the edge to the Members Only event. That’s because I get to see some of the finest people I have met over many years in one place. We get to catch up and be knuckleheads in a discreet group. The Mid-Winter Meeting runs a close second. It is a time to get business done as well as connect with colleagues and clients throughout the country.

Who is someone at STAC that you’d recommend new members network with and why?
Any one of the recent past presidents. They have served well in my opinion and are current on all the workings within STAC. Lauren Arbid, Dan Romanelli and Dan Finkelstein are contacts everyone should meet to help them in their STAC journey and their industry career.

Why is the STAC Fund so important to you?
The STAC Fund gives us the opportunity to promote higher education and perhaps plant a seed so the recipients may look to our industry after they graduate college. In 2024, we were able to award 21 college scholarships for the 2024 – 2025 academic year. It is an amazing opportunity to be able to support the academic careers of local Chicago students while helping to instill financial awareness and literacy, and hopefully help them pursue careers in our wonderful industry.

How do you give back to the Chicago community?
STAC has an affiliation with The Night Ministry social services organization. It is primarily focused on feeding the homeless. I have been volunteering to feed the homeless for more than 40 years, the last 12 with The Night Ministry. It is truly a difference-maker.

What is your superpower?
Resilience. This industry is difficult to navigate at times. You must be able to pick yourself up after a fall.

What’s something other members don’t know about you?
Plenty. One example is that I was a volunteer coach for more than 40 years all around the City of Chicago in some of the most underserved neighborhoods. Pilsen, Humbolt Park to name a few. Another is that Madeline Island in Lake Superior is my favorite place on the planet.

Name one industry trend that you’re keeping an eye on today.
Interest rates, which have been contributing to market movement as much as any other factor in the past few years.