When did your interest in financial markets start?
My interest in financial markets started during high school, when my Grade 10 accounting teacher spoke about the achievements of Warren Buffet, and how he enjoys reading company’s annual reports and financial statements. This, together with my love for accounting, piqued my interests in the world of investments. Being able to work with financial statements whilst not being in the characteristically “boring” accounting industry excited me.
What did you study and why?
I studied a Bachelor of Business Science with honours in Finance and majoring in Economics, as I believed these qualifications would give me a good foundation in terms of understanding businesses, investments generally, and how these have an impact on the economies of the world. I then studied a double MSc in Finance and Investment at international universities to further expand my knowledge, especially as it relates to the workings of the global economy and the role played by various types of investments in the Global Capital Markets.
What do you think equips you to do this job properly?
My extensive knowledge gained through studying and attention to detail, combined with my natural inquisitive nature, I think, provides me with the basis to continuously study and investigate the myriad of factors that influence a company’s operations. I believe this positions me well to be able to reasonably predict the financial performance of companies through the economic cycle.
What do you love about investing?
The field for self-education is limitless, as investing is not a static environment. We, as analysts, are exposed to different companies, in different regions, in different industries on an on-going basis, and this allows for continuous information gathering.
What do you find the most challenging part of your role to be?
In my opinion, the most challenging part of my job happens when recommending an investment, and with so many different minds working towards the same goal it is difficult to get everyone on the same page, at times.
Why do you think clients will do well at Northstar and First Avenue?
The historical successes of the Brands, that are Northstar and First Avenue, coupled with the focus of a vibrant and knowledgeable investment team that engages in investing in Quality assets will ensure that our successes are maintained, to the benefit of our clients.