ndoubtedly, CFA charterholders faithfully follow the markets. Yet some CFA charterholders not only watch the market, they work for the market, too. Such is the story of Fung Ru Huey, CFA, who works as a sector head at Bursa Malaysia, formerly the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange. Fung, who has worked as an accountant, lawyer, financial analyst, and fund manager, says working for a dynamic exchange like Bursa Malaysia is one way for new investment professionals “to launch a career.”

        Bursa Malaysia, which demutualised and changed its name earlier this year, encompasses three exchanges: a securities exchange, a derivatives exchange, and an international financial exchange. The company employs more than 600 people and boasts a market cap of close to Ringgit Malaysia (RM) 700 billion (US$184.2 billion). Fung describes the work environment as “moving very fast, every day.”
        Says Fung: “We are continually working to ensure that our systems are efficient and reliable—from trading systems, to clearing and settlement systems, to depository systems. To keep competitive, we must engage in research and development of new products and improved services. We also must engage our users—including international fund managers—to help them better understand Bursa Malaysia and to encourage them to explore the full potential and opportunities of our exchange.”
        Plus, adds Fung, Bursa Malaysia is the frontline regulator of the securities market, and as such, is tasked “to maintain a fair and orderly market.” Accordingly, Bursa Malaysia monitors over 940 companies for compliance with the exchange’s listing requirements. “The exchange also establishes codes of conduct for stockbrokers and other intermediaries in the securities dealings, which involves a great deal of monitoring of the market and policy making,” says Fung.
        Because of Bursa Malaysia’s organizational and regulatory structure, Fung notes how working for the exchange gives one a multidimensional appreciation of the capital market—a plus for less-experienced investment professionals looking to round out their knowledge of the industry. Investment professionals at Bursa Malaysia work in, among others, compliance, enforcement, corporate finance, risk management, strategy and development, internal audit, accounts, and finance and treasury.
        Also, Fung notes that investment professionals at Bursa Malaysia have the opportunity to come into contact with many market participants—from regulators to bankers to stockbrokers to analysts to fund managers—and become acquainted with various market sectors and industries through in-depth exposure to the listed companies. Fung says, “From this perspective, Bursa Malaysia could be a good springboard [to other opportunities].”
        Yet a great deal of opportunity can be found at Bursa Malaysia, where investment professionals potentially can move from one division to another as opportunities and professional interests develop. And, adds Fung, developing a broadly talented staff is a priority of the exchange. “Bursa Malaysia [supports employee education] so that all employees are very in tune with the capital markets in terms of skill and knowledge,” she notes.
        Fung says that the exchange supports CFA candidates in various ways, such as allowing time off prior to the exam for concentrated study or to attend study or review sessions. She also notes that CFA charterholders working at Bursa Malaysia are recognized indirectly, through increasingly significant roles and responsibilities within the exchange, where they can put their CFA Program knowledge into effective use.