3rd Philippine Junior Finance and Investment Summit

Whatever industry we are into right now, I'm sure that all of you would agree with me when I say that we are working towards one goal and that is to be financially stable. We have studied for years and worked hard to be able to achieve financial freedom soon.

Almost a year ago, I decided to leave the BPO industry where I spent 7 years of my life. I tried my luck as a freelancer and grabbed every opportunity that I can including writing, social media management, research, and general VA jobs. I would have to say that my financial situation is so much better now but I am way too far from being rich. I still read books, watch videos, and attend financial events to learn more about handling my finances.

A few weeks ago, I was lucky to have been invited to the 3rd Philippine Junior Finance and Investment Summit (PJFIS). PJFIS is a conference and exhibition catered for students and young professionals who want to advance their personal career and financial wellness. A brainchild of CFA Society Philippines, this project aims to deliver value to the Philippine investment community by providing future investment professionals a clear view of how to properly build a career in finance, an overview of various investment products and tools, and a venue to understand the significance of ethics and professional standards. Andrew Stotz, an award-winning stock market analyst and  CEO of A. Stotz Investment Research was one of the speakers. He shared his inspiring story, saying that he came from a poor family. Through hard work and determination, he was able to establish himself as a financial professional and even encouraged his children to invest at an early age. As a result, he has the luxury to retire early, travel the world and enjoy life to the fullest.

To be a successful professional, Stotz believes that a person should be diligent, loyal, independent, trustworthy and always strive for continuous improvement. “We are meant to be independent in our work. We serve our clients. As financial professionals, we should fill the gap of our clients’ financial interest. And you should care for your clients as you would your mother,” he said.  “Build your value through ethics. Spend more time building your ethical advantage than building your technical advantage,” Stotz added.

Ms. Rosalis De Leon Treasurer of the Philippines (Bureau of Treasury Department of Finance) and also the summit’s keynote speaker shared, “Live a balanced life. Try new things and develop hobbies. Make smart investments today apart from savings.” De Leon believes that PJFIS is a useful platform both for students and professionals.
PJFIS’ other speakers were Mr. Neil Govier, CFA–Head, Education Asia Pacific (CFA Institute); Ms. April Tan, CFA-Vice President and Head of Research (COL Financial Group, Inc.); Mr. Robert Stammers, CFA-Director of Investor Engagement on the Future of Finance (CFA Institute); Mr. Mark Yu, CFA-President (Retail) and CIO (SEAOIL Philippines Inc.); Mr. Mark Ilao, CFA-Business Development Officer (COL Financial Group Inc.); Mr. Ronilo Balbleran-Vice President for Operation (Research Education and Institutional Development (REID) Foundation); and  Mr. Edmund Lee, CFA-President and CEO (Caylum Tracing Institute).

“Being part of the 3rd PJFIS is such a wonderful experience for me as a finance student, because it opened a door for me to know what my craft is all about and broad knowledge that will help me a lot in pursuing my dreams,” Jobelle Balasbas, Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) Banking and Finance student said. “Upon hearing the speakers, I was left with a question, rather a motivation of, ‘Instead of wasting my time on non-profitable things, why don’t I make my everyday life productive?”