Anita Huang

Job title: Head of US Risk

Location: New York

Nationality: American

1. Growing up across China, Hong Kong and the US, you’ve experienced a unique blend of cultures and perspectives. How has this personal journey influenced the way you approach risk in the world of environmental commodities?

Growing up in diverse cultural environments has taught me the importance of flexibility when navigating the unique challenges of different environmental markets. Each US state has its own rules and policies regarding energy transitions, making it essential to understand regional nuances in environmental commodities and market conditions. My multicultural background further enhances my adaptability to communicate effectively with diverse teams, making sure all perspectives are considered.

2. You began your career at Thomson Reuters analyzing weather impacts on natural gas and power trading. What sparked your interest in the energy trading industry and how did it evolve into a focus on risk management?

Witnessing how weather fundamentals translate into trading signals truly deepened my interest in exploring the dynamic energy market and the fascinating facts of the “commodities” behind those trading screens, as they are so closely intertwined with our daily lives. Over time, I came to understand that managing risk is crucial for navigating the volatility of this market, which led me to further explore risk management in the energy trading space to help organizations mitigate potential losses and capitalize on opportunities.

3. With 15 years in risk management for gas and power trading, what lessons shape your leadership at STX and how does the environmental commodities market bring new challenges and opportunities in your role as Head of US Risk?

Throughout my career, I’ve learned the importance of proactive risk management and the need for continuous learning and adaptability. In the environmental commodities market, the rapid pace of change and the emergence of new products present both challenges and opportunities. As Head of US Risk, I focus on developing a comprehensive risk perspective for all US business lines, fostering a culture of continuous learning, and ensuring our strategies remain agile and effective. We strive to maintain consistency under the global risk framework while supporting STX’s growth as the leader in environmental commodities trading.

4. You joined STX last year. What excites you most about working in the environmental commodities market, especially in the dynamic US market?

The most exciting aspect of working in the environmental commodities market is the opportunity to contribute to a more sustainable future. The US market, in particular, is dynamic and rapidly evolving, offering numerous opportunities to innovate and drive positive change. Being part of this transformation is incredibly rewarding!

5. As the Head of US Risk, you oversee risk management for a diverse range of products, from certificates to renewable natural gas. How does your team ensure robust risk management while supporting STX’s trading operations?

The US Risk team works hand in hand with all commercial teams to delve into and understand each unique environmental commodity market. We shape our risk strategy through rigorous analysis, continuous monitoring and close collaboration with all functional teams. Acting as the single point of contact for US risk matters, we provide a complete risk picture (including market, liquidity, credit and operations risk) and ensure consistency under the global risk framework.

6. The US environmental commodities market is rapidly evolving. What specific opportunities do you find most exciting and what challenges do you believe require the most attention?

The US environmental commodities market presents exciting opportunities in both compliance and voluntary markets amid the increasing focus on sustainability. However, these opportunities come with challenges such as the regulatory landscape, policy changes, market volatility and the need for continuous innovation. Addressing these challenges requires a proactive and forward-thinking approach to stay informed and active on diversification and hedging, while emphasizing the critical role of effective risk management in navigating uncertainties.

7. Risk management is key to ensuring stability and informed decisions in the fast-evolving environmental commodities market. How do you approach driving innovation and shaping strategies in the US space?

Driving innovation in risk management involves staying informed on market trends and changes, and continuously improving our risk assessment tools and methodologies to adapt quickly to evolving conditions, especially within the dynamic environmental commodities landscape. STX’s US trading operations foster a culture of innovation, and the US Risk team works closely with the front office to stay at the forefront of the environmental market by developing strategies that not only help mitigate risk but also capitalize on emerging opportunities in the US market.