The event brought together senior finance professionals to highlight the transformative power of the CFA qualification in building successful careers.
Among the speakers was Trisha Peries, CFA, Head of Research at Capital Alliance Securities (Pvt) Ltd (CAL).
Trisha counts over 10 years in the industry and has been heading CAL’s research function since 2022.
Prior to joining CAL, she served as the Head of Economic Research at Frontier Research Pvt Ltd.
She also serves as an Independent Non-Executive Director at Hela Apparel Holdings PLC.
She captivated the audience by sharing her journey of personal and professional growth and emphasized how the CFA Program equipped her with the knowledge, skills, and credibility needed to thrive in the competitive finance industry.
Trisha’s Journey : From University to Research Excellence
Reflecting on her career journey, Trisha recounted her early days pursuing the University of London International Program’s Bachelor’s in Economics and Finance at the Royal Institute of Colombo.
Initially uncertain about her career path, she discovered her passion for finance during her tenure at Frontier Research and through her participation in the CFA Research Challenge.
“Their approach to problem-solving and analysis inspired me,” Trisha recalled, referring to her colleagues at Frontier Research, several of whom were pursuing the CFA designation.
“It was clear that the CFA Program was a gateway to understanding complex financial concepts and navigating the global capital markets.”
Building Skills Beyond the Theories : The CFA Impact
Trisha highlighted how the CFA Program extends beyond technical expertise to fostering critical soft skills.
“Completing the CFA Program not only deepened my understanding of capital markets but also taught me how to effectively communicate insights to fund managers, CFOs, and CEOs,” she explained.
She emphasized the program’s unique blend of rigorous academics and practical application, which helps candidates bridge the gap between technical research and investor communication.
Speaking the Investor’s Language : A Key Career Differentiator
Trisha’s career trajectory demonstrates the value of the CFA designation in enhancing professional versatility.
“The ability to see things from an investor’s perspective and translate complex analysis into actionable insights was transformative for my career,” she noted.
While technical knowledge, such as equity valuations, became more relevant as her career expanded into Equity research, she emphasized the lasting importance of the foundational skills she gained through the CFA Program.
Empowering Careers : The CFA Program as a Global Credential
The CFA Program is recognized as the gold standard for finance professionals worldwide.
As Trisha’s story illustrates, earning the CFA charter prepares candidates for multiple career paths in the global finance industry.
About CFA Institute
CFA Institute is the global association of investment professionals that sets the standard for professional excellence and credentials.
The organization is a champion of ethical behavior in investment markets and a respected source of knowledge in the global financial community.
Our aim is to create an environment where investors’ interests come first, markets function at their best, and economies grow.
There are more than 200,000 CFA charterholders worldwide in 160 markets.
CFA Institute has nine offices worldwide and 160 local societies.
For more information, visit www.cfainstitute.org or follow us on LinkedIn and X at @CFAInstitute.
Photo caption Trisha Peries, CFA, Head of Research at Capital Alliance Securities (Pvt) Ltd