Brokerage candidates hit the markets during Fastmarkets Insight Day
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 6 hours ago
Where Talent Meets Opportunity - The Brokerage partnership with Fastmarkets
At The Brokerage, we strive every day to connect and facilitate opportunities for under-represented, ambitious young people to leading employers. Navigating that journey for our candidates is often daunting when they may never have previously stepped into a corporate setting before. We partner with companies who want to make a lasting difference to early career experiences - Fastmarkets is one of those companies.
In partnership with Fastmarkets, a global leader in market intelligence, 27 of our candidates recently took part in an exclusive Insight Day at the company’s central London office. This opportunity opened the doors to our Talent Network to explore the industry and to step into the fast-paced world of global markets, exploring how pricing data influences industries ranging from renewable energy and metals to forestry and agriculture.
Networking with Professionals who do the job
The day began with a warm welcome from Raju Daswani, CEO of Fastmarkets, who shared the company’s 130-year legacy of trust and integrity. Fastmarkets describes itself as
“the most trusted cross-commodity price reporting agency (PRA)” across agriculture, forest products, metals, mining, and next-generation energy markets.
Candidates learned how their reputation is built on accuracy, transparency, and independence - reporting market prices that help businesses trade fairly and sustainably.
The company provides thousands of commodity reference prices and benchmarks used globally across metals, minerals, forest, and agricultural markets.
Raju led the conversation with sharing the core values of Fastmarkets which are integrity, respect, and excellence, as well as how the company fosters a culture of curiosity and continuous learning.
“We listen, we learn, and we value diverse ideas,” he told candidates — a message that echoes The Brokerage’s mission to champion social mobility and equity across the City.
Key words used in Raju’s address included:
Rising to the challenge
Having Integrity
Strive for Excellence and high standards
Learning and being better
Respect
Listening to diversity of ideas
Two way - we respect everyone's view points
Foundations are built on social governance
Real-World Insight
During a hands-on Market Reporting Challenge, participants stepped into the role of price reporters - analysing market data, reviewing quotes, and learning how to determine accurate price points. The exercise demonstrated how Fastmarkets’ journalists and analysts maintain rigorous standards to ensure fairness and consistency, following IOSCO principles for integrity in reporting.
Professional Volunteers Joined a career panel
A highlight of the day was the career panel discussion, which brought together over 14 Fastmarkets volunteers from across departments - including journalism, data analysis, sustainability, and business strategy. Hearing first-hand accounts from professionals offered The Next Talent Network invaluable insight into the diverse career pathways and the broader market intelligence sector.
The open dialogue and engagement from Fastmarkets employees reflected the company’s culture of transparency and collaboration, giving candidates a clear sense of what it means to work in an organisation where values of learning, innovation, and respect sit at the centre of the workforce.
Don't deny your differences
Josephine from Compliance Department said:
“Learn the skills that complement your differences. Don't be afraid. Embrace your strengths. Be open to change your plan. You have youth on your side. And most of all – don’t give up!
“Imposter syndrome for women is real and even more for black women. There is a place for you. Be open to new experiences and grow your network”
Head of HR said:
“Use your differences to showcase your strengths. Businesses that have diversity are more successful. The narrative is now more inclusive than ever so be conscious of your behaviours - work on being:
Proactive
Inquisitive
Curious
Quote of the day:
“Be happy with not being in your comfort zone.”
Building Confidence and Connections
Beyond industry insight, the day focused on personal development. During a CV Masterclass and Networking Lunch, candidates received tailored feedback, built professional connections, and developed the confidence to present themselves effectively, all essential skills for any next-generation career talent preparing to enter the workplace.
These activities mirror the qualities Fastmarkets looks for in its early-career recruits -curiosity, commercial awareness, and a willingness to learn.
Hear from Farhana - An example of Talent meeting Opportunity in action:
The Brokerage connects talent to real world early career experiences
Supported by The Brokerage team, alongside Fastmarkets colleagues, the day was a true example of partnership in action - opening doors, building confidence, and inspiring the next generation of professionals.
For The Brokerage, events like this embody our vision of a fairer, more inclusive future - one where background never limits potential and diverse talent can thrive in the every workplace with the right attitude and inclusive practices.
Together with partners like Fastmarkets, we continue to show what’s possible when talent meets opportunity.
Feedback from the day included a post on linkedin from a candidate who attended the event. See here
Thank you
The Brokerage would like to say thank you to Fastmarkets for opening their doors to The Next Gen Talent Network.
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