Let me begin with a thank you to CFA Chicago’s Governance & Nominating Committee for entrusting me with the role of Chairman. It’s a distinct honor to lead the oldest Investment Analyst Society in the world. Positioning our 89-year-old brand for the future, delivering relevant and cutting-edge programming, and enhancing member value are our top priorities.
As our board and officer volunteers change annually, I have worked extensively with our Vice Chair Kerry Jordan, CFA, to create a long-term vision for our enterprise. Kerry and I are just back from a CFA Institute Society Leaders Conference in London where best practices and future opportunities for our profession were exchanged. The key takeaways from London for me are: the U.S. asset management business is very dynamic and mature, and globalization remains apace at an increasing rate.
With respect to international financial services and investing, the five newest Societies in the CFA Institute family are Qatar, Norway, Peru, Lichtenstein, and East Africa. And while the U.S. base of Charterholders remains the core membership, the candidate population and growth rates in international markets are much higher, and more diverse, than in the United States.
As I write this, the Chinese e-commerce firm Alibaba’s IPO is set to price this evening. On a market cap basis, four of the top 10 internet companies will be based in Asia, up from two in 2004. One of my London partners said this is evidence of “China’s capitalistic system writ large.” We are an international profession and we must continue to think globally.
Our Society is positioned quite well with 4,300 members, talented volunteers, dedicated staff, and because of thoughtful stewardship, strong financial resources. Resting on our laurels, however, is not what Kerry and I and the board can or will do. As the 6th largest and original Society, we must be strategic about our industryand what role Chicago’s financial services community and professionals will play as we move toward our 90th year and beyond. Thankfully, our leadership team and board are embracing the challenges we face in this dynamic environment.
Lastly, let me express great appreciation for an outstanding membership. Your time, energy, ideas, and ethical practices are the most valuable asset we have. Please get involved, stay committed, and then recruit a fellow professional to take your place in the future. I hope to see you at our annual dinner in October.