Editor: How did you first hear about the CFA Program?

Oris: I used to work in the Corporate Finance Group of BPI Capital Corporation, an investment house. At the time (1996), my group head was active in the Capital Market Development Council (CMDC), a public private forum that pushed for reforms for the development of the Philippine capital markets. One project of CMDC was introducing the CFA Program in the Philippines. My group head gave me materials about the CFA Program, and he encouraged me to take the exams.

Editor: Can you remember any particular strategies or tactics that got you through the three CFA exams?

Oris: I had to be extremely disciplined about setting aside early mornings or late evenings for studying because it was difficult to get time off from work. I started studying every January. I attended evening or Saturday review classes to help me pace my reading. I also attended weekend review workshops facilitated by former graders a month before the exam date. I took mock exams to assess my level of preparedness and to identify areas that I still had to master. A week before the exam, I reread the materials and my study notes. I psyched myself up to pass the three levels consecutively so that I could go back to having my weeknights and weekends for leisure.

Editor: For someone considering the CFA Program, what can you offer as the most compelling reason to pursue the CFA charter?

Oris: Unlike other designations or academic degrees that are only recognized in one’s country, the CFA designation is a global standard. The rigors of getting the charter by passing the examination and meeting other program requirements are the same anywhere in the world. It is truly a passport for international career mobility.

Editor: Was it worth the effort to earn your CFA charter? If yes, can you explain how?

Oris: I was able to have a more global perspective and a more comprehensive understanding of the capital markets—even if I work in a developing market. On a practical level, I learned tools and techniques for analysis and portfolio management, which I am able to apply in my work. To top it all, my employers and peers recognize the value of the CFA charter.

Editor: Please briefly describe your position with Ayala Corporation.

Oris: I am an associate director at AC Capital, an internal division under which emerging businesses are managed. The division is also tasked with exploring new investment opportunities. I am involved in monitoring the performance of subsidiaries and venture capital investments in the technology and technology-enabled sectors. I also provide analysis and due diligence support in M&A initiatives.

Editor: What are the fun and interesting parts of your job?

Oris: I enjoy the interaction with key decision makers of our company as well as the camaraderie with the management teams and staff of our subsidiaries and investee companies. I also have fun learning about new technologies.

Editor: What did you learn from the CFA Program that you would not have learned any place else?

Oris: The emphasis on ethics in all levels of the CFA Program and continuing adherence to the ethics standards as a member of CFA Institute.

Editor: How is the CFA designation perceived in the Philippines?

Oris: The CFA designation is the best designation in the areas of investment analysis and portfolio management. CFA charterholders are perceived as highly competent and experienced professionals from across the different sectors of our country’s finance/investment industry. 

Editor: What have you gained from the experience of being the president of the CFA Society of the Philippines?

Oris: I’ve learned to be more focused on the needs of the members at large. Our association’s officers reflected on what our value proposition is for our members. We prioritized our activities such that our members will be better able to reap the value of the hard-earned CFA designation, whether in the form of high regard from employers, peers, and regulators, or more opportunities for career advancement, or salary premiums.

I’ve also realized that our association should not be shy in the area of advocacy. We have the capacity to contribute to the improvement of the Philippine capital markets and to increase investor protection. However, we are aware that with a membership base of less than 100 members, we have to collaborate with other similar-minded organizations in the local finance community to create a bigger impact.

Editor: CFA Institute members who hold the CFA charter often speak of the connections or networking opportunities that open up once they earn the designation. Do you have any personal experience to illustrate this?

Oris: Even prior to earning the charter, I was able to establish a new social and business network with my classmates in the review class. After earning the designation, I found that having the letters ‘CFA’ printed on my business card facilitates business transactions with other CFA charterholders.

At the very least, the ordeal of going through the CFA Program is a good conversation topic.