I’m naturally curious about finance. As a child, I often wondered why banks let me deposit money and freely use their ATMs, why grocery prices rose over time and what exactly the stock market was, given its frequent mention on TV. As a young adult, the global financial crisis captured my interest, leading me to question how such a major event could be the result of human decisions rather than natural occurrences.
Then there’s Warren Buffett, the ‘Oracle of Omaha’, with his statement that ‘accounting is the language of business’. His insights were so compelling that I began learning more about him, which eventually led me to purchase a copy of The Intelligent Investor as well as all editions of Security Analysis by Benjamin Graham and David L Dodd.
Those who welcome change and adapt by embracing innovation will be best positioned
I grew up in Paris and began my finance career in Hong Kong after a break spent travelling across the Chinese mainland. My interest in finance led me to enrol with ACCA and, on completion of the qualification, I gained a solid foundation in both finance and business at Native Union. I’m currently a financial analyst at MacroValue Investors, a Hong Kong–based hedge fund focused on the US stock market.
As a hedge fund financial analyst, I contribute to the development of trading models, simulating and evaluating potential strategies, maintaining databases and automated programmes using Python and executing stock trades. I find great satisfaction in this role because it allows me to apply a broad spectrum of skills, including in accounting, financial analysis, quantitative analysis and risk management.
The world is undeniably changing, even though its precise future remains uncertain. There are concerns that AI may replace some finance jobs, rendering certain roles redundant. However, with these challenges come new opportunities. Those who welcome change and adapt by embracing innovation will be best positioned to capitalise on these opportunities. I believe that success will come to individuals and businesses that dedicate themselves to acquiring and utilising new skills suited for this changing environment, rather than merely perfecting old ones.
I consider it an achievement to have the ability to adapt effectively to different situations
The ACCA qualification has been an invaluable asset, enabling me to successfully make a career change. What I value most is not just the designation itself, but the broad set of skills I gained while pursuing it. The technical knowledge, critical thinking and capability to problem-solve have been essential, not only in advancing my career but also in making sound decisions in life more generally.
I’ve dedicated myself to learning to read Chinese and speak Mandarin and English, completing ACCA and FRM along with degrees in quantitative fields, such as data science and computer science. When I meet people unfamiliar with my profession, some assume I work in investing; others think I’m a data scientist, an accountant, businessperson, translator or something else, because I can engage in conversations on a wide range of topics. I consider it an achievement to successfully integrate these diverse skills in my career and to have the ability to adapt effectively to different situations and challenges.
If my career hadn’t been in finance, I’d have pursued something in technology. I have a passion for innovation and enjoy working with new technology. I can easily picture myself designing software or developing video games.
