As the FDEF Award Winner Q&A is coming to an end, we are pleased to present you our last interviewer, Boyan Davidov, Pictet Prize for the best student in Wealth Management Laureate.
Q: Can you tell us a little more about yourself?
A: My name is Boyan Davidov. I am originally from Bulgaria and have completed the Master programme in Wealth Management and Private Banking at Luxembourg School of Finance.
Q: Besides the Pictet Prize for the best student in Wealth Management, what was your greatest achievement as a student?
A: While doing my studies and working, I set a goal of passing the exams in CFA, CAIA and FRM (the so-called Triple Crown in finance). I had to sacrifice most of my social life but in the end the casualties alluded in the journey were all worthwhile.
Q: Tell us about a teacher / mentor who made an impact on you or set you on your present path.
A: It has been almost two years since I attended the course of Prof. Roman Kräussl in Behavioural Finance (as a part of the MWM programme,) but I am still intrigued and inspired by the ideas from it. In fact, I want to pursue PhD in Economics with research interest in the field of Behavioural Finance / Investment Decisions Theory.
Q: You graduated last year, what are you doing now?
A: Currently I work for a hedge fund in Paris but will relocate next month to Monaco as a Quant Analyst for a local investment fund.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
A: If not already achieved the goals I mentioned above than at least I’ll be one step closer to it.
Q: What is your ultimate career goal as you see it today?
A: Setting my own hedge fund
Q: Do you have any advice for future students?
A: One of my favourite quotes (and meanwhile – motto in life) says – “Shoot for the moon, even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars” (Oscar Wilde). Do not be afraid in dreaming big. Even if there is a great chance of facing failure, it is still much better to have tried than to have not tried at all. In the end, success is all down to ambition.