Reflecting on An Eventful Quarter

Dear CFA Society India Members,

As we conclude another quarter, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on the events that have unfolded and the progress we’ve made together as a community. The past few months have been nothing short of eventful, marked by significant developments in the financial landscape and beyond.

The bull kept running in the stock market in early 2024 despite diminished expectations for rate cuts in 2024. While decision to include Indian government bonds in two prominent global indexes recently is being viewed as a shot in the arm for the rapidly growing country and is expected to bring in billions of inflows.

As the electorate prepares to vote in the upcoming general election to determine India’s leadership for the next five years, market watchers often look for cues on how the results might sway sentiments. History shows us that election outcomes can significantly influence market movements.

We kicked off the first quarter of the year with our flagship event, the India Investment Conference, organized by CFA Society India. This conference has long been a cornerstone of our society’s calendar, bringing together industry leaders, practitioners, and thought leaders to discuss key trends and opportunities in the Indian investment landscape.

During the quarter, the CFA Society India curated an array of engaging events, tailored to meet the diverse needs of finance professionals across the country. These events covered a wide spectrum of topics, ranging from investment strategies to career advancement and emerging trends in finance and technology.

The 17th edition of the Research Challenge in India saw participation from over 238 students representing 50 B-Schools. This was made possible with the support of 90+ volunteers, including core volunteers, mentors, graders, and judges from the CFA community.

All social media platforms saw heightened engagement with attendees sharing their event experiences (testimonials) which was then reshared on the CFA Society India’s platforms. This brought about a positive word of mouth and further enhanced not only the follower base but the quality of content on the social media channels.

The CFA Society India Linkedin page has been a major platform for communication dissemination and has always seen rapid growth with 76k+ followers. The CFA Society India’s YouTube channel reached a new milestone by crossing +2M lifetime views. To revamp our communication approach on the Instagram platform, we experimented with short form content to be more platform friendly and strike a chord with the younger follower base. 

The Membership Committee has attained noteworthy milestones that have made a lasting impact on our organization. Our current membership count stands at 2421, and with over two months remaining in the year, we are optimistic about surpassing last year’s figure of 2433, indicating overall growth.

Over the past quarter, the Society has been hard at work, striving to provide valuable resources and support to our members in their career development journeys. The Society has organized a series of workshops and webinars focused on career development topics such as leadership training, resume writing and career transition strategies. These sessions are designed to provide practical insights and guidance to members at various stages of their careers, empowering them to succeed in a competitive job market.

The Society remains committed to supporting our members’ career aspirations and fostering a thriving community of finance professionals. Whether you’re a recent graduate entering the workforce or a seasoned professional seeking new challenges, the Society is here to support you every step of the way.

I encourage you to take advantage of the resources and opportunities offered by the Society and to actively engage in our initiatives. Your feedback and participation are invaluable as we strive to enhance our services and support the diverse needs of our members.

I started as a volunteer ten years ago, dedicating countless hours to various initiatives and projects aimed at advancing the field of finance and serving our members. With the unwavering dedication and passion, I and my fellow volunteers have made invaluable contributions to our society’s growth and success over the years.

Last year, I reached another significant milestone in my journey with our society by being elected as a Director on the Board. As a Director, I continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of our society and driving initiatives that benefit our members and the broader finance community.

Volunteering exposes individuals to new experiences, perspectives, and challenges. It provides opportunities to learn about different cultures, issues, and ways of life. Through volunteering, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of the world around them and develop empathy and compassion for others.

Overall, volunteering offers numerous advantages that contribute to personal growth, community well-being, and societal progress. By giving their time and talents, volunteers make a positive impact on the world and create lasting change for the better.

As a proud member of CFA Society India, I am writing to you today to encourage each and every one of you to consider taking up volunteering opportunities within our esteemed society. Volunteering is not only a chance to give back to our community but also an opportunity for personal and professional growth.

I encourage you to explore the volunteering opportunities available within our society and find a role that aligns with your interests and skills. Whether it’s joining a committee, organizing events, or mentoring aspiring professionals, there’s something for everyone to get involved in.

Together, we can continue to build a vibrant and thriving community of finance professionals.