Episode 322: Nadia Cobalovic of Northern Trust and Omnium Services – Pivots and Persistence

Nadia Cobalovic is Senior Vice President at Northern Trust and Global Head of Omnium Services, where she oversees teams encompassing Middle Office Operations, Back Office Administration and Data Delivery. She also contributes to business growth, strategic initiatives and new initiatives.

Our conversation starts with her early career aspirations to be a war correspondent and later, to work in U.S. government agencies. Delays and bottlenecks ultimately led to a forced—but serendipitous—pivot into financial services. What began as a temporary role at Citadel became the start of a dynamic 25+ year journey, one that now finds her leading Omnium Services at Northern Trust—still alongside some of the same colleagues who have been part of her career from the very beginning.

We speak then about the evolving world of hedge fund services and how AI, cyber security concerns and changing investor and fund needs are shaping it. Moving to career reflections we discuss the importance of giving credit where it is due – sometimes to oneself, and the joys that working for a supportive team – and together – for over 25 years can bring.

With thanks to Baillie Gifford for sponsoring Series 4 of 2025. Baillie Gifford is a long-term investment manager, dedicated to discovering the innovations and changemakers that deliver exceptional growth opportunities for its clients.