In this episode of Financial Perspectives, host Tanya Suba-Tang sits down with Benjamin Armellini - Managing Partner at Main Street Research - for a candid look at the forces shaping today’s markets. Together, they unpack an economy landscape defined by volatile trade policy, uneven sector performance, and a labor market that looks very different depending on where you stand.

Benjamin offers a global perspective on earnings growth, highlights where investors may be overlooking meaningful opportunities outside the U.S., and explains why AI-driven sectors have widened the gap between headline indexes and the rest of the market. They also explore the disconnect between lagging economic data and real-time market behavior, the implications of shifting capital expenditure trends, and what a “Goldilocks environment” really means for long-term investors.

The conversation closes with grounded, practical guidance—why market timing continues to fail investors, how to define success beyond benchmarks, and why having a clear plan matters more than ever in a noisy, fast-moving economy.

Listeners will also hear practical guidance on why market timing continues to fail investors, how to define success beyond benchmarks, and why having a clear plan matters more than ever in an erratic economy.

Tune in for an insightful conversation that moves beyond the noise to provide actionable strategies for navigating today's complex global economy, managing risk, and making sound decisions in a period of economic uncertainty.

In this episode of Financial Perspectives, host Tanya Tang sits down with Asad Malik, CFA, Head of ML Finance & Infrastructure Strategy at Google, to discuss how artificial intelligence and machine learning are transforming finance, investing, and productivity.

Asad breaks down the surge in AI investment since 2022, the rapid growth in infrastructure spending, and why scaling laws and vertical integration are redefining the economics of innovation. He explains why AI may be overhyped in the short term but underappreciated in the long run and highlights key areas of opportunity—from drug discovery and automation to AI-driven productivity efficiencies.

Listeners will also hear practical advice for finance professionals on adopting AI tools, maintaining essential analytical skills, and leveraging AI as a powerful productivity advantage.

Tune in for a strategic financial perspective on AI’s impact on finance, investment strategy, and the future of work.

In this episode of Financial Perspectives, host Tanya Suba-Tang - Membership Director at CFA Society San Francisco - sits down with Jaycob Arbogast, CFP, MBA - Director of the Center for Excellence in Finance at California State University, Chico. Together, they unpack the realities students face as they move from academia into the workforce, including the challenges of a competitive job market, the importance of pairing technical expertise with interpersonal skills, and the growing role of real-world experiences like internships and competitions. They also explore how finance professionals can support the next generation—through mentorship, guest speaking, and creating pathways for student success.

Whether you’re a student preparing for your first finance role, a professional considering a career change, or a seasoned leader eager to give back, this conversation offers practical insights and inspiration for navigating the journey from classroom to career.

Hear from Tanya Suba-Tang and Bahman Mirzaee as they discuss the current challenges and opportunities facing endowments and foundations within the investment landscape. Mirzaee, in his capacity as a principal at Mercer, delineates the various types of organizations that fall under the purview of endowment and foundation management, including educational institutions, private and corporate foundations, and cultural organizations such as museums. He emphasizes the fiduciary responsibilities these entities hold regarding the management of assets derived from donations, grants, and other financial contributions, elucidating the critical role they play in ensuring the sustainability of their respective missions.

As the conversation unfolds, Mirzaee introduces the three primary ways in which Mercer supports its clients: through Outsourced Chief Investment Officer (OCIO) services, advisory roles, and direct investment assistance. The OCIO model, in particular, stands out as a rapidly expanding service that allows organizations to share fiduciary duties with Mercer, thereby enhancing their investment capacity while benefiting from the expertise and resources that Mercer brings to the table. Mirzaee articulates how this collaborative approach not only alleviates the burden on organizations with limited internal investment capabilities but also fosters a deeper understanding of their unique investment needs, particularly in a landscape characterized by increasing market volatility.

Transitioning to the contemporary challenges that endowments and foundations face, Mirzaee provides a thorough analysis of the macroeconomic factors influencing investment strategies. He discusses the repercussions of shifting interest rates, demographic trends, and legislative changes that affect funding structures for educational institutions and other nonprofits. Notably, Mirzaee highlights the impending demographic cliff, projecting a significant decline in the number of graduating high school seniors, which poses a substantial risk to the enrollment and funding stability of many educational organizations. Furthermore, he addresses the impact of recent tax reforms on charitable giving, noting that changes to the deductibility of donations could influence donor behavior and subsequently alter the financial landscape for nonprofits. Through this comprehensive discourse, Mirzaee underscores the complexities of navigating the investment landscape for endowments and foundations, ultimately providing valuable insights into the strategies that may be employed to mitigate these challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities.

Send us a message!

In this episode of Financial Perspectives, Tanya Suba-Tang sits down with Ken Ryan, CFA—Portfolio Manager of the Parnassus International Equity Fund. Together, they explore the evolving landscape of global equity investing and how a values-driven approach can uncover opportunity in unexpected places.

Ken shares insights from his experience at Parnassus, WCM Investment Management, and Dodge & Cox, covering everything from managing risk in international markets to integrating sustainability principles without compromising returns. Listeners will gain valuable context on how to navigate today’s geopolitical and economic challenges while maintaining a long-term perspective.

Whether you’re an international equity enthusiast, a values-driven investor, or simply want to learn from a seasoned global strategist, this episode offers clarity and conviction in an increasingly complex investing environment. 

If you'd like to learn more about the show, have a topic or speaker to suggest, or would like to leave us a comment, email [email protected].


This podcast is produced by CFA Society San Francisco, a not-for-profit professional association, providing professional learning and career resources to over 13,000 investment industry professionals worldwide. To learn more about CFA Society San Francisco, visit our website or connect with us on LinkedIn.

The information contained in this podcast does not constitute financial or investment advice. Please consult your own financial advisor for information concerning your specific situation.

Send us a message!

The private secondary market has transformed from informal, ad-hoc deals to a sophisticated $3 trillion asset class. In this episode, Jack Cassel, Senior Vice President and Head of Listings at Nasdaq, joins host Tanya Suba-Tang to unpack how private companies, employees, and investors are navigating liquidity needs long before IPOs. 

Discover how companies manage cap tables, why secondary transactions differ from traditional venture funding, and how market sentiment has shaped growth from the post-2008 era through today's innovation boom. 

Whether you're an employee holding private stock, an investor seeking new opportunities, or a finance professional tracking market evolution, this episode delivers the insights you need to understand one of the fastest-evolving frontiers in finance.

If you'd like to learn more about the show, have a topic or speaker to suggest, or would like to leave us a comment, email [email protected].


This podcast is produced by CFA Society San Francisco, a not-for-profit professional association, providing professional learning and career resources to over 13,000 investment industry professionals worldwide. To learn more about CFA Society San Francisco, visit our website or connect with us on LinkedIn.

The information contained in this podcast does not constitute financial or investment advice. Please consult your own financial advisor for information concerning your specific situation.

Send us a message!

On this CHATS segment of the "Financial Perspectives" podcast, William Reynolds hosts a dynamic conversation with Josh Hile - CEO of Citizen Mint - as they explore how impact investing in private markets is transforming the investment landscape by delivering competitive financial returns while addressing critical global challenges. 

The traditional investment paradigm has long separated profit-seeking activities from philanthropic endeavors—but that's changing rapidly. Josh explains how younger investors are rejecting this binary approach, instead seeking investments that generate returns while creating positive outcomes for society and the environment. This shift coincides with extraordinary market opportunities in sectors addressing urgent needs like renewable energy infrastructure, affordable housing, and innovative private equity structures.

We dive deep into the compelling risk-return profiles of impact investments that challenge common misconceptions. Renewable infrastructure investments typically deliver 12-14% returns with half the volatility of public markets. Affordable housing can achieve 15% IRRs with remarkably stable tenancy and recession-resistant characteristics. These aren't concessionary investments—they're powerful portfolio diversifiers that happen to create meaningful positive change.

The conversation explores how artificial intelligence is dramatically reshaping energy demands, creating unprecedented opportunities in sustainable infrastructure. By 2030, US data centers alone will become the sixth-largest energy consumer globally, driving massive capital deployment toward renewable energy solutions.

Whether you're an experienced investor or just beginning to explore how your portfolio can reflect your values, this episode provides actionable insights into an investment approach that refuses to compromise between purpose and profit. Listen now to discover how private market impact investments could transform your portfolio while helping address society's most pressing challenges.

If you'd like to learn more about the show, have a topic or speaker to suggest, or would like to leave us a comment, email [email protected].


This podcast is produced by CFA Society San Francisco, a not-for-profit professional association, providing professional learning and career resources to over 13,000 investment industry professionals worldwide. To learn more about CFA Society San Francisco, visit our website or connect with us on LinkedIn.

The information contained in this podcast does not constitute financial or investment advice. Please consult your own financial advisor for information concerning your specific situation.

The Great Wealth Transfer will move $124 trillion by 2048, according to recent data from Cerulli Associates. But the most revolutionary aspect? Women will inherit approximately 70% of this unprecedented wealth transfer.

Sylvia Kwan, PhD, CFA, CAIA - CEO and CIO of Ellevest - breaks down this seismic shift during our conversation, revealing that $54 trillion will go to surviving spouses (95% of whom are women) while another $46 trillion flows to younger generations. For many women, particularly those from older generations who delegated financial management to partners, this represents their first opportunity to independently control substantial assets.

What makes this transition particularly fascinating is how differently these beneficiaries approach investing. Women typically view investing as a means to achieving specific financial goals rather than simply beating market benchmarks. Both women and younger generations seek investments that align with personal values and generate positive social and environmental impact alongside financial returns. There's also growing skepticism about the traditional 60-40 portfolio, with younger investors gravitating toward alternative investments, private markets, and technology-enabled platforms that offer greater personalization and control.

Financial firms hoping to thrive during this transition must adapt accordingly. Beyond upgrading technology infrastructure to meet digital-first expectations, companies need to develop highly personalized offerings, expand beyond conventional stock-bond allocations, and create frameworks that help clients align investments with personal values. As Sylvia wisely advises, regardless of market conditions, success still comes down to fundamentals: create a well-diversified long-term plan and stick with it through inevitable volatility. Ready to prepare for this unprecedented wealth transfer? Listen now to gain invaluable insights that could reshape your approach to wealth management.

If you'd like to learn more about the show, have a topic or speaker to suggest, or would like to leave us a comment, email [email protected].

This podcast is produced by CFA Society San Francisco, a not-for-profit professional association, providing professional learning and career resources to over 13,000 investment industry professionals worldwide. To learn more about CFA Society San Francisco, visit our website or connect with us on LinkedIn.

The information contained in this podcast does not constitute financial or investment advice. Please consult your own financial advisor for information concerning your specific situation.

Send us a message!

Uncover the promising realm of frontier markets in our latest podcast episode! As traditional investment avenues become saturated, Africa begins to shine as a viable option for investors looking for growth and opportunities. This month’s Financial Perspectives episode reveals how demographic shifts, economic growth, and political reforms create an environment ripe for investment in various sectors. 

Hear from Rick Rikoski, Chief Economist at Democracy Investments and CEO and Chief Scientist of Hadal, as he highlights the significant demographic shifts occurring across the continent, notably the soaring population of Nigeria, which has nearly tripled within the last few decades. As we look to the future, Africa is projected to grow by an astounding 2.4 billion people by 2100, making it a focal point for investors aiming to tap into a burgeoning consumer base. This demographic change is essential as it indicates a rising demand for goods, services, and investment in infrastructure.

The podcast also emphasizes the expansion of financial markets and highlights how nations like China are playing an influential role through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative. By investing in African infrastructure and financial systems, they're shaping the business landscape and creating pathways for international trade. The conversation navigates through the fabric of African economies, touching on the historical context of economic activity, often driven by resource extraction, and the evolving landscape that is shifting toward a diverse array of industries. 

Listeners will gain valuable insights into how global dynamics are shifting towards Africa, emphasizing the necessity for market reforms and infrastructure improvements to facilitate a more favorable investment climate. Join us during this episode, as we explore whether the future of global investment lies in the frontier markets of Africa.

If you'd like to learn more about the show, have a topic or speaker to suggest, or would like to leave us a comment, email [email protected].


This podcast is produced by CFA Society San Francisco, a not-for-profit professional association, providing professional learning and career resources to over 13,000 investment industry professionals worldwide. To learn more about CFA Society San Francisco, visit our website or connect with us on LinkedIn.

The information contained in this podcast does not constitute financial or investment advice. Please consult your own financial advisor for information concerning your specific situation.

Send us a message!

On this CHATS segment of the "Financial Perspectives" podcast, Walter Pritchard shares his remarkable career pivot from chemistry to finance, exploring the critical decisions that shaped his career path and the skills needed for successful transitions. In our conversation, Walter offers valuable insights on the differences between corporate environments and the importance of communication, adaptability, and professional networking.

This discussion delves into the intricacies of corporate communication, particularly within Investor Relations and Corporate Development. Walter emphasizes the art of distilling complex information for diverse audiences, ensuring clarity and consistency in messaging. He highlights the role of the CFA program in his career, discussing its impact on credibility and opportunities in finance. 

With personal anecdotes and lessons learned, Walter shares the importance of aligning one's skills and interests with career paths, the role of feedback and mentorship, and the nuanced decisions between pursuing an MBA or continuing with the CFA program. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation packed with insights into career growth, professional development, and investor relations.

CHATS is a monthly segment, featuring audio recordings from our previous webinars. This month's episode was originally recorded in October 2024.

If you'd like to learn more about the show, have a topic or speaker to suggest, or would like to leave us a comment, email [email protected].


This podcast is produced by CFA Society San Francisco, a not-for-profit professional association, providing professional learning and career resources to over 13,000 investment industry professionals worldwide. To learn more about CFA Society San Francisco, visit our website or connect with us on LinkedIn.

The information contained in this podcast does not constitute financial or investment advice. Please consult your own financial advisor for information concerning your specific situation.