In the weird world of alternative investments, private equity is perhaps the most recognizable and most easily understood of the major asset classes. Individual investors, regardless of market experience, are generally familiar with venture capital-backed companies like Google, Facebook, Uber, and Snapchat.
Read MoreAnxious is just one of the many words that describe how I felt in the final weeks and days leading up to the CFA® exam. Fortunately, I found having a general idea of what to expect on exam day relieved some of that anxiety.
Read MoreThe overall purpose of performance measurement is to help us select an investment and provide ongoing information about how our investment is doing so we can make good decisions
Read MoreOn test day, it is completely natural to be excited, nervous, worried, anxious, or some combination of these states of mind.…The point I want to make is very simple: for top performance, there is an optimal level of nervous energy that is not zero, and maybe not even close to zero.
Read MoreTechnology is a disruptive force that creates challenges for established business models in many industries. Job losses in manufacturing are largely attributable to advances in technology, but the impact of technology isn’t confined to manufacturing-related industries.
Read MoreIt sounds pretty ominous: A 300-hour study commitment over the course of four to six months, which works out to be roughly between 12.5 and 18.75 hours per week. Oh, and that 300-hour assumption is an average; any individual might need to put in considerably more effort in order to master the material well enough to pass the test.
Read MoreWhen I first began pursuing the CFA charter, I was a lone wolf. I didn’t do any prep courses. I didn’t get any materials other than the curriculum books. I didn’t talk to other candidates. I didn’t look at forums. And despite not having had much background, I didn’t engage with my local society.… Not surprisingly, I failed.
Read MoreWhen I left a well-known consulting firm in Paris and moved to Toronto, I knew immigrants in Canada usually struggle to get their first job because of the lack of Canadian experience or Canadian education. I had neither of these, so naturally I felt lucky that I was able to land my first job quite easily. Even though I had what was considered a good experience in treasury risks, hedge accounting, and financial risk management in general, I felt that I needed an additional asset education-wise to fully compete in the Canadian job market on Bay Street.
Read MoreIt’s 7:30 p.m. and I had been in the office since 7:30 a.m. I was staring at a blank PowerPoint slide on one screen and a Bloomberg homepage on the other. For the last several weeks, I had been working tirelessly as our firm prepared to go on the road and raise capital from investors.
Read MoreI started the journey to becoming a CFA charterholder when I was a first-year finance doctoral student. Like all CFA candidates, I had strategically researched the topic area weights and allocated my study time. I had purposely put a hold on my social life and committed to the 300-hour study. I had carefully completed the assigned readings and attempted the practice questions.
Read MoreThe general public’s awareness of such issues as climate change, labor practices, and corruption has greatly increased in recent decades. We’ve all heard of huge multinational corporations caught (and fined for) polluting the environment, bribing government officials for permits and contracts, or exploiting outsourced workforces in developing countries.
Read MoreI’d like to share some mindset hacks helpful in passing the CFA exams, along with some pointers on how to approach this daunting and rewarding experience. As a charterholder myself, I’ve had the privilege of mentoring candidates through all three levels, and I hope this helps you in your studies.
Read MoreConsidering the CFA charter? Wondering whether you should get an MBA or a CFA charter (or both)? Trying to decide your career path in the world of finance given changing industry trends and the rise of FinTech?
Read MoreI went three for three on the CFA® exams. There was (no question) some level of luck and good fortune, I do believe there were a few things I did that aided my success, and maybe some or all can help you on your own successful path.
Read MoreThe CFA curriculum was not only intellectually fascinating, but it added enormous value to me—and, I dare to say, to Axpo Trading, the organization that I’ve had the privilege of leading.
Read MoreMany times, when clients hear the word “diversification,” they think the more assets, the better. However, not all additions to a portfolio are created equal.
Read MoreThere are many reasons to become a CFA charterholder. You will find near-universal agreement that holding the CFA designation improves your job prospects across the globe, adds significantly to your human capital, and grows your professional prestige and personal brand.
Read MoreThe new 2024 CFA curriculum has been released for Levels I and III. This article will summarize all of the important changes to the curriculum and how it affects your preparation.
Read MoreWhen I saw a request go out for help sharing my experience and insight by contributing a guest post to a new blog, I thought it would be a great opportunity to shine a light on a smaller group in the CFA charterholder community. I am a CFA charterholder, and I do not work in the money management or financial services industry.
Read MoreWhen evaluating investments, analysts are taught to focus qualitatively on the sources of competitive advantage and quantitatively on forecasts for growth, profitability, and returns on capital. Little emphasis is placed on the shareholder base. But not all businesses have the same