Juan Tan has moved across firms, cities, and continents, always chasing the next challenge.
In addition to over a decade of growth and leadership at Two Sigma, his experience spans institutional business development at Deutsche Bank Group, research and analysis at the Boston Consulting Group, and investment advisory at Watson Wyatt Investment Consulting. He holds a Master of Commerce in finance and a Bachelor of Commerce in accounting and finance.
Get to know the person behind this storied career, and the mindset that’s driven it.
To kick things off, tell us about what you do here at Two Sigma.
I wear a few hats. I work in the investor relations team that is focused on developing and managing our external investor relationships – here I take a player coach role, directly managing the APAC ex-China client base and helping the broader team that is also responsible for EMEA and Japan. More recently, I also began to oversee the broader business operations for our Hong Kong and Tokyo offices.
Now, could you take us back, sharing a bit about your career path leading up to Two Sigma and how you ultimately landed here?
When I first interviewed with Two Sigma, I still recall that the TS website only had a list of drinks that were in the NY office fridge, so there wasn’t a lot of data to help guide my decision. I had come from a pretty traditional asset management firm and was looking for a place where I could build a career, rather than just find “a role”. Apart from a good selection of drinks, what stood out to me was the clarity of mission, positively differentiated culture and alignment that I felt with the people I met with.
Throughout your career, you’ve built institutional client relationships and led new business development in markets across Asia and beyond, working in roles spanning asset management, consulting, and investment advisory. What was it that first drew you to work in the financial services space?
Other than a brief flirtation with computer engineering in the 90s, I can always remember wanting to work in finance, which to me has always been a fascinating intersection of maths, economics, technology, and human behaviour. If I’m being honest with myself, I’ll probably also somewhat credit this to watching Wall Street and reading Liar’s Poker. Having said that, I kind of fell into investment management and equally fell into doing investor facing roles.
Were there any pivotal moments or key decisions you’ve made that have significantly shaped your career path? What advice would you give others based on the experience you gained?
About 20 years ago, I was offered the chance to move from Australia to Hong Kong. I’d only visited once and had never imagined living here, but I took the chance and haven’t thought of leaving since. My advice is to embrace uncertainty and being uncomfortable, and to lean on trusted friends, family, and mentors when you do. Discomfort brings setbacks and failures, but it’s also the fastest route to learning and growth. It also keeps you grounded and stops you chasing every shiny new toy.
How do you bring your full self to work? Has that evolved over time?
I distinctly remember earlier in my career trying to be “corporate proper” but had a pretty early realization that being authentic and transparent naturally builds better relationships. So I’ve also encouraged people to be comfortable in bringing their full self to work; that doesn’t necessarily mean feeling a need to overshare, but just being genuine, having real opinions and being welcoming of people’s lives, interests, and individual characters.
What does a great work day look like for you?
I’ll rephrase this slightly and say that my work days are pretty varied, which is something in itself that I particularly enjoy. My favourite moments though, have usually come when we get to do something fun with our teams – being based in a smaller office we organize some intimate events where you get to learn a lot about your colleagues and yourself…oh and did I mention that we like to dress up?
What’s something that’s meaningful and inspiring to you outside of work?
I have three children that are on the cusp of teenage years, which keeps me busy most of the time outside of work and brings a kind of grounding chaos to life. I can spend the whole day dealing with work matters, but the moment I walk through the door, none of it matters to them. It forces a level of humility and perspective that is otherwise hard to find.
Finally, just for fun, what’s a travel recommendation you’d give someone visiting Hong Kong for the first time?
Most people think of malls, great food, and skyscrapers, and all of that is true. But Hong Kong is far more diverse, with excellent hiking, great beaches, and a fascinating history. My “serenity now” place is out on a nature trail, so I’d encourage first-time visitors to try one or combine a few of these such as hiking over Dragon’s Back to Shek-O beach.
