What are the biggest lessons in your career so far?
Do what you enjoy, excel at, and what the market needs. This combination brings out your unique competitive advantage in the market and enhances your personal satisfaction. As we spend most of our day time at work, it is only sustainable if we feel energized and motivated. Don’t just wait for opportunities, be proactive in creating or capturing them. Many business and personal development opportunities in my career come from reaching out, asking for help, and actively requesting feedback.
Tell us about your transition from traditional financial institutions to the FinTech space.
AI is poised to disrupt various industries, including wealth management, whether we like it or not. Technology has empowered us to scale high-quality wealth management services to reach beyond just high-net-worth individuals. COVID accelerated this shift. I firmly believe in taking a proactive approach to adapting to these changes. Rather than waiting for disruption to occur, I aspire to be an active participant in shaping it. Meanwhile, I thrive in dynamic environments characterized by high levels of autonomy, such as start-ups, where I have the opportunity to influence product strategy and develop scalable business plans that can respond to the evolving needs of the market.
What is a common misconceptions about robo-advisors?
People often perceive the investment process of robo-advisors as a mysterious black box. However, the reality is quite different. These digital platforms combine advanced algorithms with the expertise of human investment professionals. By analysing large amounts of data, the algorithm can generate insights for investment professionals to make informed decisions. This blend of technology and human insight enhances the efficiency of investment strategies to optimize returns while managing risk effectively. Thus, the inner workings of robo-advisors are far more transparent and nuanced than many might believe. Some people also think that they will only be able to talk with a chatbot on a robo-advisory platform. In fact, platforms provide choices, including a non-commission driven human advisor providing a personal touch.
What are you telling clients who are looking to navigate the current market volatility?
Cut through the noise and focus on the long term. Instead of getting caught up in the whirlwind of daily headlines, it is far more beneficial to develop an understanding of the market cycles and establish a core asset allocation strategy. Historical data consistently demonstrates that staying invested in a diversified multi-asset portfolio is the most prudent approach. The time in the market matters much more than timing the market in generating long term return.
In what ways has your CPA training helped you in your career?
My rigorous accounting training honed my business acumen and analytical skills, enabling me to quickly identify discrepancies in data and extract meaningful insights. This ability to cut through complexity and provide clear, insightful perspectives has been essential in earning clients’ trust and effectively leading business conversations. As a wealth advisor, it is crucial to provide comprehensive wealth management services to private clients, and to progress as a leader in adding value to the companies that I work in.
