CFA® Program Candidate Profile

The CFA charter has been a tremendous asset in my career. The CFA Program helped me bridge the gap between academic and real world finance and helped hone my analytical abilities. The CFA designation is the gold standard for portfolio managers and has helped me win the trust of our clients.

I remember when I took the CFA exams, there was a lot of emphasis on ethics. I actually found that part boring. But after more than 10 years in the asset management industry, I realize I have always emphasized fiduciary duty in my work. Putting investors' interests first is most important above anything else. If you have that attitude the investment technique becomes easy. You make sure you safeguard your clients' assets first, and then you find ways to grow those assets within certain risk limits.

Black investment professionals in South Africa still need an international 'stamp of approval' if they hope to earn the respect of their asset management peers or the trust of the investor community. For me, the CFA designation is a source of true empowerment which can never be taken away.

What I like most about my current role is that although it is a technical job, it also requires fostering trusting relationships and practicing good communication skills when interacting with clients and colleagues.