From CA to CFA: Anil Ghelani's Versatility

Welcome to Jobaaj Stories, where we delve into the inspiring journeys of individuals who pursued their ambitions and achieved remarkable success in their chosen careers. 

In this episode of Jobaaj Stories, we present to you a CA and CFA Charterholder who was earlier the CEO and CIO at DSP BlackRock Pension Funds, which is part of the DSP Group with a legacy of more than 160 years and is one of the oldest and most respected financial services firms in India. Today, he is the Head of Passive Investments and Products at DSP Mutual Fund.

To get inspired, keep reading, about his journey of achieving success.

Hello everyone, I am Anil Ghelani, a CA and CFA Charterholderand I am excited to share my inspiring journey with you.

My journey began with a Bachelor's degree in Commerce from HR College in Mumbai in the year 2000. I became a Chartered Accountant (CA) in 2001. During my CA work as an auditor, I discovered a deep inclination toward asset management, insurance, broking., and mutual funds. Recognizing this passion, I moved to the asset management industry in 2003. If you grow your career in an industry that is growing rapidly, the positive tailwinds can help you better – that’s one big factor that helped my career because when I changed from audit to asset management, it was a new industry with huge potential. I decided to further expand my knowledge and expertise in these areas. I felt the need to delve deeper into the field, due to which I pursued the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) certification from CFA Institute between the years 2003 and 2006.

Throughout my career, I emphasized the need to upskill myself. As I ventured into the world of finance and investments, I realized the need for enhanced knowledge of investments and the CFA Program provided me with advanced investment analysis and real-world portfolio management skills. It focused on the investment ecosystem and management, with risk as a crucial component. The knowledge and skills that I gained through the CFA program proved invaluable in various aspects of my career. I gradually shifted internally from back office and fund accounting to risk management, credit research, and then into portfolio management for the Pension Fund. It is important to recognize that at times you need to make gradual shifts rather than directly demanding certain roles or job responsibilities. With a work experience in auditing, if I would have aspired to a role as a research analyst or fund manager, not many would be willing to offer it. But when I worked through the Back Office role, gained more on-the-job skills and relevant knowledge of investments, I was gradually able to pivot to different roles and also take on additional responsibilities as a CEO.

What Do you think is better - CA or CFA?

For the Asset Management industry, when considering the choice between knowledge as a Chartered Accountant or as a CFA Charterholder, I firmly believe that the CFA provides a better understanding of the financial landscape. Further, while both CA and CFA certifications are highly regarded, there are several other courses worth considering which are based on individual inclinations. For those inclined towards risk management, the Financial Risk Management (FRM) certification is an excellent choice. Those who are seeking global opportunities can explore the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) qualification.

I believe young individuals should progress in a step-by-step manner. Firstly, they should focus on acquiring a relevant qualification, whether it's CA, MBA, or another course. Secondly, they should explore and work in areas that genuinely ignite their interest and passion.

Advice for you all from my experience

I firmly believe in the importance of continuous learning and personal development. To keep reminding me and my team about this, on the soft board in my cabin I display a motivational quote showing a man in his 50s wearing a black suit and tie, riding a bicycle, a comment stating, "Profession is like riding a bicycle, either you keep moving or you fall down," serving as a constant reminder to persevere and strive for improvement. Currently, I am looking to pursue Chartered Market Technician (CMT). I am also an active volunteer of the CFA Society India, contributing to the professional community.

When it comes to learning, I suggest a combination of structured and unstructured approaches. Structured learning involves following a clear roadmap with a structured reading source like a professional course followed by a test and certification. On the other hand, unstructured learning takes place on a daily basis, it is like“on-the-job” learning, and it allows for the spontaneous acquisition of knowledge, often in bits and pieces. We can't rely on only one, but we need a good combination of both.

Do you think AI can replace the finance field in the future?

In my opinion, India is an ideal destination for those aspiring to enter the fields of finance and investment. The country's financial sector offers immense opportunities, and data plays a pivotal role in its future. 

When discussing the impact of artificial intelligence (AI), although it may not be an immediate concern, I anticipate significant changes in the near future. It is highly likely that while AI will not replace humans, individuals utilizing AI will replace certain roles currently performed by humans who don’t know how to use AI. Therefore, it is essential to adapt and embrace the opportunities presented by AI, ensuring that we stay ahead of the curve.

My journey in the financial industry along with my educational background has shaped my perspective and expertise. By following my interests and embracing opportunities for growth, I have been able to cover a successful path in the dynamic world of finance. I hope my story inspires you to pursue your dreams, acquire the necessary qualifications, and embark on a fulfilling career journey of your own. 

Thanks for Reading!

If anyone wants to connect with me or needs any assistance related to a career in CA and CFA program you can reach out to me on Instagram and LinkedIn.

Also, Read A Bookworm Who Loves Finance: An Avid Reader and Finance Fanatic!