Why Trust Makes the Difference in Complex Decisions?

Since 2021, Iva Horčicová has led KKCG’s work in the capital markets and contributed to the execution of key financing projects and transactions that support the long-term growth and stability of the entire group.

She brings more than ten years of experience in finance, spanning investment banking, asset management, private equity, and the corporate environment. This breadth of experience allows her to view capital markets not only through the lens of numbers and structures, but also in a broader strategic context.

Iva gained experience as a Credit Investment Analyst at Napier Park Global Capital, where she focused on investments across European markets, and previously spent nearly six years with the ING Group in London working in capital markets. She laid the foundations of her career through the UniCredit Graduate Programme in Munich and further developed them during an internship in the capital markets department of the law firm Baker McKenzie.

Her connection to sports and her natural drive to overcome challenges have shaped her resilience and ability to keep moving forward, not only professionally but also on a personal level. According to Iva, it is precisely the combination of discipline, empathy, and a strong sense of purpose that has enabled her to grow and to take on increasingly demanding roles.

What first drew you to finance?

From an early age, I was fascinated by money and the world around it. When I was about five years old, my grandmother worked at a bank and once took me into the bank vault. It was full of safe deposit boxes and felt like a real treasure room to me at the time. That experience stayed with me and gradually turned into a deeper interest in how finance works and how it affects companies and the broader economy. From then on, whenever I was asked what I wanted to be, my answer was always the same: a banker.

Was there a moment when you realized you wanted to move into a leadership role?

There wasn’t a single moment when I decided I wanted a specific position. From the very start of my career, I genuinely enjoyed working in finance. What mattered most to me was doing work that was fulfilling, intellectually challenging, and allowed me to keep growing. Rather than focusing on titles, I was driven by responsibility, quality, and the opportunity to influence important decisions. Leadership roles followed naturally as a result of that approach.

Which experiences shaped you the most professionally?

Early in my career, my time in banking was particularly formative. It provides a solid foundation, discipline, and a broad understanding of financial products and how markets work. You are also exposed to a large number of transactions, which is essential in our field. Working in a transaction driven environment taught me how to perform under pressure, make decisions quickly, and take responsibility. I was also fortunate to have senior colleagues who acted as mentors and helped guide me along the way.

Which skills do you consider most important?

From a skills perspective, strong analytical thinking and attention to detail are essential in finance. Equally important, however, are relationships. Finance is built on trust and long-term cooperation, whether with banks, investors, rating agencies, lawyers, or other advisers. The combination of analytical precision and the ability to build strong relationships enables better decision making, even in very complex situations.

What habits or routines help you when facing daily challenges?

Sport is an important source of energy and mental balance for me. It helps me keep perspective and resilience during demanding periods. Almost every morning before work, you will find me at the gym, cycling, or running. Overcoming challenges, both professionally and in sport, reminds me that real progress often happens outside your comfort zone.

What does success mean to you?

Success, to me, is not just about individual goals achieved or results delivered. It is the ability to create long-term value for the company, do work that matters, and at the same time help the people around me grow.

In my professional life, I see success as building something high-quality and lasting: a strong team, trust with partners, top-tier expertise, and an environment where people want to take ownership. On a personal level, success is the feeling that I am continuing to move forward and doing things I enjoy that have a real impact.

This interview is part of Leading Finance with Courage, learn more about the series here.