20 Years of the CQF: In Conversation with CQF Alumni

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Certificate in Quantitative Finance (CQF), we have interviewed senior members of our alumni community to discover how they are shaping the industry today. 

Professor of Finance, NEOMA Business School, and CQF Program Tutor

Sébastien earned the CQF in 2003. We spoke to Sébastien about this transition into academia and his advice when choosing a career path.

Director of Enhanced Analytics Global Structured Finance, Fitch Ratings

Thomas earned the CQF in 2004. We spoke to Thomas about challenges facing the industry and how the CQF enhanced his career.

Head of FX Options Quant Trading, UBS

Hugh earned the CQF in 2005. We spoke to Hugh about how the electronification of processes have impacted the industry and his advice for professionals entering the industry today.

Head of Capital Risk Oversight, NatWest Group

Naomi earned the CQF in 2006. We spoke to Naomi about advancing in quant finance and the most rewarding things about careers in the field.

Partner in FS Risk Advisory, EY

Subrahmanyam earned the CQF in 2010. We discussed starting out when there were few quants in India, to becoming a leading SME.

Head of Market Risk and Product Control Asia, Julius Baer

Borja earned the CQF in 2013. We spoke to Borja about his transition from law to finance and the importance of interpersonal skills.

Head of Private Markets Data Science, Balyasny Asset Management

Charlie earned the CQF in 2014. We spoke to him about the value of further education and the necessity of learning programming languages.

Chief Investment Officer, Alphastar Capital Management

Tony earned the CQF in 2015. We spoke to Tony about his career highlights, new challenges facing the industry today, and how the CQF added value to his career.

Head of Quant Products, Pexapark

Werner earned the CQF in 2016. We spoke to him about career opportunities in energy trading and the skills quants need for the future.

Global Head of Pricing and Analytics, J.P. Morgan Chase & Co.

Chelvi earned the CQF in 2018. We spoke to Chelvi about making the transition into finance and her advice when looking for your next role.

Head of Core Systematic Portfolio, Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA)

Jean-Paul earned the CQF in 2021. We spoke to him about moving from engineering to finance and the importance of having a growth mindset. 

Head of FICC for Greater China, Singapore Exchange

Cassandra earned the CQF in 2022. We discussed the importance of reputation, integrity, and education.

AVP, Senior Equity Derivatives Engineer, Barclays

Sara earned the CQF in 2023. We spoke to Sara about her career highlights and her advice for new professionals.