Clare is Director of Government and Regulator Relations at CFA Institute, based in Hong Kong. This is a diverse role that enables me to work with many different types of finance and regulatory organisations on topics relating to education, skills and career-long learning. During her 2021 WiFA Spotlight Series interview, Clare discussed her motivations, advice to her younger self, and much more.
- Tell us a little bit about yourself
I am Director of Government and Regulator Relations at CFA Institute, based in Hong Kong. This is a diverse role that enables me to work with many different types of finance and regulatory organisations on topics relating to education, skills and career-long learning.
There are CFA Societies in 17 APAC markets, from the largest developed financial hubs to emerging and frontier markets. That gives me the opportunity to interact with finance professionals all over the region and build an understanding of the similarities and differences, between them. Every day there is something new to learn!
Previously, I was Head of Relationship Management for an electronic equity broker and I have spent much of my career in business development and consulting roles for firms ranging from traditional banks and asset managers to fintech start ups. I love connecting people with common interests, managing projects, improving issues, and helping firms or people tell their story.
Before I joined CFA Institute, my husband and I decided to take time out of our careers and spent a year travelling around the world with our young children. We were very lucky to do that pre-Covid, and are grateful for those experiences. All that time together on the road also helped prepare us somewhat for all the unexpected time spent at home together this year!
- What drew you to a career in finance? What has motivated you to stay?
I did not intend to work in finance, but a chance conversation early in my career led to a role at a financial PR firm which was a fantastic foundational experience – it helped me build an understanding of how many different types of finance business are inter-related and why they do what they do. Since then, finance has offered me great opportunities to learn, develop my career in different directions, live in various parts of the world, and meet many interesting people.
- Think back to when you were starting out your career. What advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t be afraid to take opportunities when they come up. Most careers now are not linear, and diversity of experience is one of the most valuable and useful things you can bring to any job.
- What has kept you motivated to succeed this past year?
I joined CFA Institute in 2020 when most people were working from home, which brought challenges in learning a new job and building relationships both within the firm and with our external audiences. This has been a lot easier because I work with a fantastic team who have welcomed, supported and motivated me through the year. I have worked on projects such as our industry efforts to promote Diversity & Inclusion across the investment management industry, as well as how the industry tackles sustainable finance and ESG investing. It is great to be able to contribute both personally and professionally to initiatives that have a positive impact.