Demi Henriquez

From Research to Compliance: Demi’s Story

“Every opportunity I’ve had came from being curious and vocal about what I wanted.”

When Demi Henriquez joined Third Bridge’s New York office as a Research Coordinator in 2017, she didn’t imagine she’d one day be leading a global team as VP of Compliance.

She started straight out of university, eager to work in business and finance without going into Investment Banking. Seven years later, she’s helping to shape the standards that keep Third Bridge operating with integrity.

Starting out in Research

After studying Economics and Political Science, Demi joined Third Bridge with a group of fellow graduates. Her first role involved coordinating expert consultations, managing schedules, and supporting client projects.

“It was a great way to understand the business from the ground up,” she says. “You’re learning how everything connects, from clients to experts and the systems in between.”

Within two years, she was promoted to Senior Coordinator, taking on training responsibilities and mentoring new joiners. Demi’s inquisitive nature kept pushing her to explore other career possibilities.

“I’ve always looked for ways to expand my role. At one point, I was even studying for the LSAT because I thought I might go to law school,” she says. “At the same time, I had expressed an interest in Compliance to my manager. I was already aware of all the compliance policies at Third Bridge and I really wanted an opportunity to learn more about what the team was doing.”

Moving into Compliance

That opportunity came in 2020 when the Legal and Compliance team needed support during the pandemic and Demi was offered a three-month secondment. “It was meant to be temporary, but I really liked the compliance role,” she recalls.

Demi’s familiarity with internal systems and processes helped her adapt quickly, and her performance led to a permanent move into Compliance. It was a natural fit that combined her analytical skills with a desire to help others make sound decisions.

Growing into leadership

As her confidence grew, so did her responsibilities. Demi now manages teams spanning the US, UK, India, and Hong Kong as VP Compliance. Along the way, she found a mentor in Aditi Joshi, Third Bridge’s Head of Compliance, whose guidance has left a lasting mark.

“When I first became a manager, Aditi told me to be my authentic self. That advice stuck with me,” she says. “You don’t have to fit a mold. People respond best when you’re genuine.”

That mindset shapes Demi’s approach as a leader. “I try not to just tell people what to do,” she explains. “I give them the tools and space to grow, and I trust them to take ownership. Trust and communication go hand in hand.”

What success looks like

For Demi, success in compliance is measured by impact rather than numbers. “It’s not about chasing targets, it’s about helping the business make the right decisions every day.”

She values being involved in the conversations that guide Third Bridge’s biggest initiatives. “Every major decision has some kind of touch point with Compliance,” she says. “I like knowing that what we do protects the business and enables it to grow the right way.”

Third Bridge’s culture

For Demi, the company’s culture is a big part of what made her progression possible. “Third Bridge is entrepreneurial,” she says. “What you put in is what you get out. There’s so much opportunity for people to explore new paths.”

Her own transition from Research to Compliance is proof of that spirit. She’s seen how much opportunity exists for those who take initiative and voice their ambitions. “You can build a career here in so many different directions,” she says. “If you’re curious and speak up about what interests you, people listen.”

Life beyond work

When she’s not leading her team, Demi reconnects with her lifelong passion for dance. “I’ve been dancing since I was five,” she says. “These days it’s mostly hip-hop style, but it’s always been a big part of my life and a real creative outlet.”

Advice for future joiners

Demi’s advice to new joiners echoes her own experience. “Keep an open mind, speak up for yourself, and don’t be afraid of feedback,” she says. “Every opportunity I’ve had came from being curious and vocal about what I wanted.”

From Research Coordinator to VP of Compliance, Demi’s story shows what can happen when you have the curiosity to explore multiple possibilities and the courage to go after the one worth turning into reality.

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