The CFA Society Sri Lanka recently hosted a fireside chat and networking event titled “The CFA Program Advantage: Pathways to Career Excellence.” Bringing together senior finance professionals and aspiring finance leaders, the event celebrated the transformative potential of the CFA Program in shaping successful careers in the financial industry.
Among the distinguished speakers was Hiran Samarasinghe, CFA, Chief Growth Officer of Sunshine Holdings PLC, who shared his inspiring journey of leveraging the CFA Program to achieve professional growth and success.
The CFA Program as a Pivotal Career Catalyst
Hiran reflected on his early career as an audit trainee at PricewaterhouseCoopers, where he quickly realized his passion lay beyond traditional accounting. A suggestion from a fellow CFA charterholder to explore the CFA Program became a pivotal moment in his career journey.
“The fact that it was challenging attracted me. It was something most people hadn’t done at the time,” he shared. This decision set the stage for a career defined by adaptability and continuous learning.
Practical Applications of CFA Knowledge in the Workplace
Hiran highlighted how the CFA Program’s rigorous curriculum equipped him with the technical expertise and strategic thinking required to excel in diverse roles. He shared practical examples of applying CFA knowledge, such as:
- Building a best-in-class investor relations program at Sunshine to enhance engagement and transparency with capital markets.
- Concluding multiple M&A transactions to drive the growth ambition of the Group.
- Structuring a dollar interest rate swap to manage currency risk for his company.
- Evaluating government-issued bonds to make strategic financial decisions that added significant value to the organization.
“When you are negotiating with bankers or evaluating financial instruments, understanding concepts like the time value of money and risk management makes a big difference,” he explained.
Career Transitions and Adaptability
From audit and advisory to equity research and corporate strategy, Hiran’s career exemplifies the versatility of the CFA qualification. While his initial goal was investment banking, he discovered fulfilling opportunities in corporate finance, where his CFA training proved invaluable.
Networking and Branding Opportunities with the CFA Charter
Hiran emphasized the networking and branding benefits of being a CFA charterholder.
“In local capital markets, everything is just one call or one introduction away, and the CFA charter creates instant respect,” he noted. This recognition has helped him forge strong professional connections and elevate his career trajectory.
The CFA Program as a Lifelong Learning Platform
Hiran underlined the importance of staying ahead in an ever-evolving financial industry. “The industry evolves so fast. The CFA Program ensures you stay relevant, whether it is understanding AI tools or navigating ESG frameworks,” he said. The CFA Program’s comprehensive approach and its emphasis on continuous learning equips professionals to navigate these advancements effectively.
A case is the CFA Institutes introduction of a Certificate in ESG Investing course which Hiran completed recently, and the inclusion of these topics in the CFA curriculum reflects the program’s adaptability to these emerging trends.
Advice for Aspiring CFA Candidates
Hiran concluded with an encouraging message:
“It is not just about the designation; it is about the knowledge, connections, and continuous learning it brings.”
The CFA Program: A Gateway to Career Success
Renowned globally for its rigor and relevance, the CFA Program prepares professionals to excel in various finance-related fields, including investment management, corporate finance, and risk management. As Hiran’s journey illustrates, the program is not only a gateway to career success but also a foundation for lifelong learning and adaptability.