In-Conversation with Rajeev Radhakrishnan, CFA

CFA Society India had the pleasure of interviewing Rajeev Radhakrishnan, CFA for its current edition of member newsletter.

Siddharth: Congratulations on your appointment as Director In-elect! What are the priority items you are working on and driving in society?

Rajeev: Thank you. It’s a privilege to be associated with the society in the current role and be able to participate in various initiatives that are aimed at supporting the members in their professional journey. As a member of the career services committee it would be my endeavor to support the team in terms of providing members with professional and career development opportunities.

Siddharth: You have vast experience as a fund manager and in fixed-income investments. Could you please tell us more about your professional journey?

Rajeev: My professional journey in fact started with a brief stint in equity sectoral research at UTI MF in 2001 , where I had the opportunity to work alongside  a senior portfolio manager . Subsequently I was assigned to the team that was mandated to unwind the equity portfolio of the US64 scheme.  An opportunity to shift to fixed income dealing came along which started my journey in the fixed income space, that eventually led me to a portfolio managers role at Sbimf in 2008. Over the years I have had the opportunity to manage various fixed income products , alongside pursuing my core interest in macro research. Currently I lead the fixed income funds team as the chief investment officer Fixed Income at SBIMF.

Siddharth: How has the CFA program contributed to your career progression and skills development?

Rajeev: The CFA program has had an important role in my career and skill development. The management at SBIMF had always encouraged investment professionals to pursue the program. Coming through the rigorous program provides one with the required confidence as well as a strong technical foundation as you progress in the investment industry. The emphasis on maintaining high ethical standards is a necessary prerequisite for acceptance and success in the investment industry.

Siddharth: As a Head – Fixed Income at SBI Funds Management Pvt Ltd, what are the most exciting and challenging parts of the role?

Rajeev: Adapting to the ever changing regulatory and market landscape is both exciting and challenging. Substantial inter linkages with external market dynamics is another factor that keeps one constantly engaged. Overall, while being guided by strong macro research based convictions, it’s essential to constantly revisit one’s investment thesis given the ever changing dynamics.

Siddharth: For those considering pursuing the CFA designation, what advice would you offer based on your own journey and its impact on your career?

Rajeev: Commitment in terms of providing sufficient time to the rigorous course content is very essential. The program curriculum continues to evolve in line with the requirement of the industry and hence would remain a gold standard for excellence.

About Rajeev Radhakrishnan, CFA

Rajeev is the Director of the CFA Society India and a charter holder of the CFA Institute, USA, having over 17 years of rich experience. He is CIO – Fixed Income desk at the SBI Mutual Fund. Earlier, Rajeev was the Co-Fund Manager for Fixed Income with UTI Asset Management for seven years. He joined SBIFM as a fixed income portfolio manager in 2008. He is an Engineering graduate and holds a Masters degree in finance from Mumbai University.

About Siddharth Jain, CFA

Siddharth Jain is a CFA Charterholder, FMVA designated, and did MBA in finance. He has over 11 years of experience in finance, valuation, and analysis. He worked at S&P, Resurgent, Deep Industries, E&Y and currently working at RKL LLP (a client of Staffing Global Network LLP) as a Senior Valuation Analyst. In his current role, he works on target company valuation (M&A), Private company valuation, Equity compensation valuation, and finance due diligence projects. He recently wrote a book “Business Valuation: A handy guide for Beginners and Professionals” which has been well received by the readers in India & abroad. Siddharth is an active volunteer of Public Awareness Committee (PAC) of CFA Society India.