Mr Babbage (56), an NZX director since late 2017, is in Dunedin for the NZX's 150th celebrations this week. NZX began in Dunedin in 1869.
He graduated from the University of Otago in 1984 with a double degree; BCom and BSc honours, and had spent 30 years in the financial and capital markets, both in New Zealand and overseas.
Mr Babbage had executive roles with BP, Citibank and BNP Paribas, managed a New York currency derivatives desk and with BNP Paribas, and had a joint role of Global Head of Currency Derivatives Trading and Head of North American Foreign Exchange.
For three years Mr Babbage served on the Foreign Exchange Committee of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
He was asked how finance students should look to ''differentiate themselves'' from the scores seeking jobs.
''It's the guy or girl who has the spark, not [necessarily] the A+ student; show your passion and follow your heart,'' he said.
He retired at 42 and has been working voluntarily with the Department of Conservation, having co-founded Mohua Investments, which funds a trust bringing the endangered Mohua back to the mainland.
''I'd have to say that's been life-changing for me,'' he said of his conservation work.
While at the School of Business yesterday he led a discussion session with students from the Advanced International Financial Management paper, led an interview session with students, then wrapped up the day with a cocktail function including talks with students, staff and local business people.
