When I started my current role as a client relationship manager (CRM), I wanted to expand my knowledge and the Certificate in Investment Management was recommended to me by my team leader. The fact that it is the only qualification of its kind endorsed by the Chartered Institute of Securities & Investment (CISI) was very appealing. The modules were split into two parts: the CISI Level 4 Certificate in Investment Advice and the CISI Level 4 Certificate in International Securities. Both are highly relevant to what I do as a CRM, but they are also transferable skills if I were ever to change careers or positions. The syllabus covered a wide range of topics including investment markets, macro and micro economic factors, portfolio management, asset allocation, and legal issues and compliance. This was great because it enabled me to develop a more rounded understanding of all areas of investment management. While studying for these qualifications, I also got promoted from an associate CRM to a CRM, which was an additional boost for my career prospects. Although I found it challenging In 2010, I was offered the opportunity to move to Hong Kong to take up a position as head of risk for Asia Pacific at Standard Life Investments. It was an exciting time to be moving to Hong Kong as the investment industry there was emerging from being just a fund management centre for Asian equities into becoming a global hub for investments in all asset classes. This role provided me with the opportunity to work with many other great people in both Hong Kong and Singapore. The team I worked with were able to
grow assets under management by more than USD$15 billion in just over two years,
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