Our people
19 June 2024
As a passionate advocate for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Pollyanna Rayappan is co-chair of the Pride Employee Network Group (ENG) in Singapore and a member of the Asia Pride Forum. Her contribution resulted in her being the recipient of a Macquarie Award in 2022, and helped Macquarie achieve the Gold Standard in the 2023 Community Business LGBT+ Inclusion Index.
Pollyanna Rayappan is a senior manager in Macquarie’s Risk Management Group, working in the Surveillance team. She is also a passionate advocate for DEI, something that attracted her to Macquarie when she joined over a decade ago.
“I was amazed by the diversity, from gender to nationalities. Macquarie’s flat structure means that regardless of your level your views are valued,” she explains. “The organisation actively encourages diversity of thought and different perspectives.”
Pollyanna credits this aspect of Macquarie’s culture as allowing her to become an advocate for DEI.
“From day one, I felt valued. This gave me confidence and helped me thrive,” she says.
An inspiring encounter with a global leader who openly discussed his same-sex partnership had a profound impact on Pollyanna.
"Seeing such confidence and openness at the senior level empowered me to embrace all facets of my identity, both personally and professionally," she recalls.
A couple of years later, Pollyanna was asked if she would establish and chair the Pride Employee Network Group (ENG) in Singapore.
“Macquarie’s leaders supported me, and this gave me the courage to be more visible.”
"This is a reflection of Macquarie’s inclusive and collaborative culture," Pollyanna concludes.
It's a place where everyone, especially those who are just starting out or come from underrepresented groups, can see the value of diverse representation and feel encouraged to contribute their unique perspectives."
Pollyanna studied a Bachelor of Business in Accounting partly because she could see how many career options it provided. She began her career in auditing with a global accounting and consulting firm and, within a couple of years, found herself working in forensic accounting.
“I initially met Macquarie as a client and was impressed by the office environment and the friendly culture,” she explains. “It left a good impression.”
Coincidentally, a recruiter reached out to Pollyanna about an opportunity with Macquarie’s new Monitoring and Surveillance team.
“It was the first time I had experienced a two-way interview,” Pollyanna explains. “They asked my opinion and were candid about it being a new role in a new team, where I would be the only one in Singapore and would need to navigate an evolving space.”
Pollyanna accepted the role, joining Macquarie in 2013 as an Analyst.
“I knew it was the right fit, and I haven't looked back.”
Within six months, Pollyanna requested a challenge that saw her role broaden from e-comms surveillance for one of Macquarie’s businesses to trade surveillance. She later took on equities and futures trading surveillance for Asia, and more recently became responsible for the surveillance coverage for Macquarie Asset Management’s equities and multi-assets Asia-Pacific business.
Along the way, she was promoted to manager in 2018 and senior manager in 2020.
“Every couple of years, I’ve had the chance to see what else I could do,” Pollyanna explains. “It was a matter of investing in my own career, putting my hand up, having open conversations and asking for opportunities.”
“Part of my role now, is being the subject matter expert for e-comms across Asia,” Pollyanna explains. “From identifying red flags to conducting analysis for HR, our controls proactively support and protect the business.”
Pollyanna values the collaborative nature of the role.
“Typically, everyone wants to do the right thing,” she says. “We work collaboratively - with the business and across our global team – to manage, rectify or, when required, assist with incidents.”
Pollyanna’s work fostering LGBTQ+ inclusion in Singapore won her a Macquarie DEI Award, in 2022. She describes receiving it as surreal while crediting her colleagues.
“Many people helped make it happen,” she says. “I’ve had supportive leadership and great allies to help amplify LGBTQ+ inclusion for women and others,” she explains.
Pollyanna considers amongst her proudest moments when the Singapore office achieved a Gold Standard in the 2023 Community Business LGBT+ Inclusion Index and her fundraising initiatives for various charities.
“The recognition has been a powerful motivator," she reflects. "It's a testament to our impact and inspires us to continue making a difference."
Pollyanna also works across Macquarie’s offices in Asia with the Asia Pride Forum.
“Engaging with communities and fostering dialogue is crucial," Pollyanna explains. "Our outreach initiatives help nurture understanding and acceptance in diverse societies, reflecting Macquarie's commitment to inclusion."
Beyond her role as the LGBTQ+ chair, Pollyanna is also passionate about building a more equitable and inclusive community. As a passionate individual for giving back to the community, she has organised regular fundraisers for various charity organisations throughout her time at Macquarie. Most recently, Pollyanna and her colleagues were involved in the ‘Solve it for a Cause’ initiative, an employee-led program in Singapore to address community needs raising $A155,000 (inclusive of matching from the Macquarie Group Foundation) for The Island Foundation, a non-profit supporting and transforming educational needs for children.
“I am passionate about championing and speaking up for minority communities and destigmatising different topics,” she says.
Pollyanna values the relationships she has formed through the Pride ENG and fundraising initiatives.
As a result of my involvement, I have more friends at Macquarie than colleagues, and I’m grateful for opportunities to speak about it.”
“I hope that I’m leaving something impactful and positive behind.”
She credits Macquarie, too, for creating an environment that allows her to both manage her work commitments and dedicate time to DEI initiatives.
“Macquarie values people for their individual contributions and diversity.”
Pollyanna says the same “two-way street” with an emphasis on transparency that she saw in her initial job interview is in action every day at Macquarie, allowing her flexibility to fit it all in.
“Being able to pursue my passions and continue my hobbies outside of all of this helps me give 100% to my work.”
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