Simon Abendanon
Full Name: Simon Abendanon
Job Title: Carbon Trader and Head of UK Office
Location: London
Nationality: Dutch/British
Years at STX: 3+ years
1. Your career has taken you from London to Johannesburg, Amsterdam and back to London. How have these experiences shaped your international business and professional skills?
It’s been quite a journey and I’m very excited to be back in London with STX and my young family. Each location has come with its own set of challenges, particularly in Africa, where you are forced to think outside the box to solve unexpected problems in real time.
I would highly recommend to anyone starting out in trading to experience and learn about different markets, products and environments. All these experiences provide me with a unique perspective, allowing me to approach each problem and opportunity with an open mind, especially in diverse, global markets like the ones in which STX operate.
2. Now that you’re in London, can you reflect on what made the transition smoother as you embarked on the UK expansion project?
STX has grown at an extraordinary rate. Our success stems from our driven management team and our entrepreneurial spirit, but while these qualities are crucial, this growth couldn’t have been achieved without solid processes and exceptional execution too. I was lucky enough to have a proven blueprint from other expansion projects in places such as Singapore, Lyon and Hamburg to guide me, but also to work closely with our talented Strategic Project team. Our collaborative and focused approach ensured a seamless transition to the new office and provided a strong platform to keep growing our UK team.
On a personal note, this marks my second international move with STX and I cannot speak highly enough of our People & Culture team. Their expertise provides STX employees with all the support needed – from logistics to all the administrative tasks involved. I am really excited about this next chapter in my career and using my global experience to date to further expand my network within another major international marketplace.
3. What were the biggest challenges you faced in establishing and growing our UK activity and how did you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges we faced was the operational complexity of establishing a new entity from the ground up. It took longer than initially planned to establish all associated HR and employee support networks, but this extra effort ensured a smooth launch. Fortunately, with the help of our People & Culture team in Amsterdam we successfully had everything in place for our new joiners to welcome them into our UK entity in September 2023 and I see this as a great bedrock for further expansion within the UK.
4. What factors have contributed to the success of the new office? How does the office in London contribute to our global strategy?
The key to the new office’s success has been choosing the right location. We selected a site strategically positioned near our clients and major transport hubs, receiving great feedback from employees and visitors alike.
STX is committed to becoming one of the world’s leading pure-play environmental commodity trading houses. To achieve this, it is vital to have a presence in key marketplaces. Despite Brexit, London continues to be a central hub and a powerhouse in global trade and access to finance. Our offices in the city are key to further strengthening our ongoing presence in the UK and reinforcing our mission, making London a crucial market for our continued growth.
5. What is your take on the current trends in corporate climate action and climate policy in the UK?
I feel that the UK is entering a pivotal period for climate action following the recent general election and the majority secured by the Labour Party in parliament. Political momentum is shifting towards more aggressive climate action, with ambitious proposals such as the Labour Party’s 2030 net-zero target which may further reshape the corporate regulatory landscape. These ambitions have certainly boosted confidence among green investors, but more clarity on policy and planning will be needed before we start to see a significant shift. This trajectory suggests that UK corporates will need to rapidly adapt to potentially stricter climate regulations and integrate sustainability more deeply into their operational and strategic frameworks. The convergence of robust government policies, heightened corporate accountability and rising stakeholder expectations is driving a transformation in how UK-based businesses approach climate action.
6. What key skills do you believe to be crucial for success in environmental commodities and carbon trading?
The carbon market and environmental commodities are among the most exciting yet challenging sectors to work in today. With a shifting global political environment and rapidly changing national and international policies on energy and climate action, adaptability and agility are crucial. For any trader, the key to success lies in effective risk management and focused execution.