Eve Shanahan, Relationship Support Manager, Commercial Team

I work as a Relationship Support manager in our beautiful London office. I provide support to the team’s Relationship Managers, primarily with account opening. Within the support team my main focus would be ‘Know Your Customer’ (KYC), which is a process that banks use to check and confirm the identity of customers.

I have had quite the journey from my home in Ireland to London with a whole range of jobs in between, from being a teacher in China to working at the Australian Open in Melbourne. I first landed in banking at Heartland Bank in Auckland, New Zealand, where I had a role very similar to the one I have now.

After a year in New Zealand, and four years travelling, I moved back home to Cork, Ireland and set my sights on working for Allied Irish Bank (AIB). After much persistence I got a job in Cork City.

I moved around a few different departments in AIB, always wanting to learn more, which was encouraged by some great managers I had there. As I was focused on progressing in my career, I went back to study as a mature student part-time. After three long years of working full time alongside my studies, I earned my honours degree in Finance and Accounting, something I am very proud of to this day. My partner then got a job in London, and I followed a while after, after securing a job with Al Rayan Bank.

I honestly love coming to work every day, which is always a good sign, and I feel fortunate to be part of such a fantastic team. With the Bank's support, I’m continually learning and developing new skills, which is very important to me.

I first heard about the Bank’s values at the interview stage, and they really resonated with me. I vividly remember the TEAM values being explained to me and thinking “I want to be part of this.” I believe that one reason that the Bank thrives because everyone truly embodies these values.
Even though I’ve only been here a year, I do see that the Bank is an ever evolving and progressive place to work. It seems like there’s always something happening for employees each month, from workshops to lunch and learn sessions. Another constant has been the kindness of the colleagues here; I don’t think I’ve ever worked in an office where I’ve known everyone by name.
Looking to the future, I hope to contribute to, and be part of, the Bank’s continued growth and success.