

CFA UK
CFA UK
CFA UK takes careers to the next level and beyond. Through connecting, educating and inspiring we develop the professional lives of our members. We help you to develop your skills, achieve your goals and make your desired level of impact in the industry and in the world.
(The views of our guests do not necessarily represent the views of CFA UK)
(The views of our guests do not necessarily represent the views of CFA UK)
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 27, 2025 • 8min
Episode 80: The power of education for investors
In this episode, James Dolman, CFA, Director of Alium Dolman Limited, interviews Saffron Hill, CFA, Management Consulting Associate at AlixPartners. Saffron discusses her career journey in the investment industry, from taking the Investment Management Certificate (IMC) as part of her employee training, to using the skills, knowledge, and disciplines she gained to move into the next stage of her career. Not one to stop there, Saffron has since gained her CFA, and closes off the episode with some foundational advice to anyone on a similar path.
Visit cfauk.org/imc to see how you can transforms your career and turn your potential into progression.

Feb 20, 2025 • 34min
Episode 79: The trillion-dollar investment gap
How do you solve a trillion-dollar investment gap in your sector?
In this episode, David Manuel speaks to Chris Kuchanny, Founder and CEO of Impactable Investment Group, to discuss the changing landscape of impact investing in emerging markets. Looking at his own journey from traditional finance to founding Impactable, Chris and David examine how financial returns can be balanced with social and environmental impact – especially where sustainable development goals (SDGs) are concerned.

Feb 6, 2025 • 34min
Episode 78: "Leadership can absolutely be learned."
In this episode, Aranzazu Sardina and Emma Kangis, an executive/leadership and career coach, discuss the importance of career coaching and developing soft skills for investment professionals.
Emphasising the need to balance technical capability with soft skills and self-awareness in the workplace, Emma and Aranzazu look at practical ways that young professionals can build leadership qualities, highlighting the strength that comes from adaptability and trust in leadership.

Feb 6, 2025 • 45min
Episode 12: The big picture for crypto assets
In this episode, Ben Ashby and Tom Threlfall, CFA, chat with James Harris, Chief Commercial Officer of Zodia Custody. James shares his journey through various traditional finance institutions, including Citi Group and Standard Chartered Bank and his eventual pivot into crypto.
Compared to other areas of investment, crypto is still a maturing sector, but its rise to fame has been pretty dramatic. James explores how the world of crypto and digital assets has adapted and matured over the last few years. Using his wealth of experience James breaks down what digital asset custody is, and why it’s pivotal to the future of digital assets.

Dec 11, 2024 • 28min
Episode 76: “Your net worth is your network.”
In this episode, Ulrich Amoussou, CFA, Investment Associate at Reventus Power, has a wide-ranging chat with Patric Okumi, Liquidnet/TP ICAP Group Group. Patric shares his journey from Ghana to becoming a senior executive in finance, along with the challenges and triumphs he experienced along the way.
Patric highlights perseverance, authenticity, and continuous learning as the keys to doing well, with a particular focus on networking, and his takeaways from the Investment Management Certificate. Patric also discusses the value of entrepreneurship in understanding the finance industry, with a focus on his own venture ADINKRA, which aims to celebrate African culture through fashion.
For more information on the IMC, please visit cfauk.org/imc

Nov 18, 2024 • 22min
Episode 77: "It’s a strength to say no.”
In this episode, Aranzazu Sardina catches up with Victoria McLean, CEO of City CV and Hanover Talent Solutions, to discuss the significance of setting boundaries in the workplace, and how it impacts professional development and mental health.
Victoria emphasises the importance of recognising personal limits, the types of boundaries that exist, and practical tips for establishing and maintaining these boundaries. She and Aranzazu also explore how overcoming the fear of saying no can help people to be content in their professional journeys.

Nov 4, 2024 • 44min
Episode 11: The end of the dollar?
In this episode of the Future Proofing Finance podcast, Ben Ashby and Tom Threlfall, CFA, catch up with Richard Cookson, formerly of Citi Private Bank, HSBC, and Rubicon Fund Management. Richard shares his extensive experience in finance, and together they embark on a world tour of global currencies, inflation trends, and economic challenges.
Richard emphasises the endurance of the dollar, the complexities of inflation, and the potential pitfalls of the euro and renminbi. He also draws parallels between Japan's economic history and China's current situation, while offering valuable advice for young finance professionals navigating today's market.

Nov 1, 2024 • 44min
Episode 18: The methane effect
In this podcast episode, John Teahan, CFA, discusses the critical issue of methane emissions and their impact on climate change with Dr Sam Cornish, transition research specialist at The Institutional Investors Group on Climate Change ( IIGCC). They explore the sources of methane and its role in global warming, the challenges of measuring and reporting emissions, and the regulatory landscape that surrounds methane. Sam concludes with some useful strategies for mitigating methane emissions.
For more information on IIGCC’s work on research, please visit https://www.iigcc.org/resources/momentum-addressing-methane-emissions-fossil-fuel-ops

Oct 16, 2024 • 26min
Episode 75: The financial advice gap
Fleur Iannazzo, CFA charterholder and founder of WTF Money, dives deep into the financial advice gap that affects many individuals, particularly women and minorities. She shares her personal struggles with financial anxiety and advocates for inclusive financial coaching. The discussion emphasizes the importance of financial education in promoting overall well-being and the role of businesses in driving cultural change. They also highlight the benefits of disciplined spending and long-term investments as keys to financial success.

Oct 2, 2024 • 25min
Episode 74: How regulators' approaches to sustainability are reshaping fund management
In this conversation, David Manuel, Founder and CIO of Beagle Partners LLP, interviews Christine Brentani, Senior Principle Consultant at ACA Group.
Discussing the impact of sustainability regulations on asset managers and the changing landscape of the industry, Christine shares her journey from fund management to regulatory risk and compliance. David and Christine also explore the evolution of sustainability regulations and the future trends that fund managers should pay attention to. Christine reflects on her experience attending COP27 and COP28 and the progress being made on key milestones.
The CFA UK Sustainability Community is buzzing with daily discussions, virtual meet-ups, and in-person gatherings, offering numerous opportunities for you to get involved. Our Community is a virtual and in-person hub for investment professionals to grow together as sustainable investing experts. This is the go-to place for sustainable investing knowledge, resources and contacts. You can post questions on our forum, connect with other members online and join an informal catch up in the pub.
For more information on the Sustainability Community and how to join, click here: shorturl.at/drsHV