Connecticut Investors Prep for Success with CFA Society Hartford

The CFA Society Hartford recently hosted over 40 investment professionals and their clients at the local chapter’s 2nd Annual “Putting Investors First” Conference and Networking Event, held at the Hartford Club. The non-profit organization’s event was open to the public and offered local residents a chance to hear from four highly esteemed experts in the investment and wealth management field. It also provided an opportunity for wealth managers to connect with investors.

Attendees at the conference were welcomed and introduced to the four keynote speakers, who delivered 30-minute seminars, highlighting the emotional side of investing that can often impact financial decisions for investors. Prioritizing client interests and ensuring a trustworthy professional relationship was a common theme for all four speakers, which is a major point of emphasis of the CFA Institute as part of its efforts to promote ethical standards of practice and market integrity within the finance industry.

The Chartered Financial Analyst designation, which is awarded by the CFA Institute to candidates that have completed its rigorous program requirements, is one of the most prized and respected designations in the industry. CFA Charterholders utilize sophisticated investment analysis and portfolio management skills on behalf of their clients.

Bob Dannhausser, the head of the CFA Institute’s global private wealth management, presented research from the Institute that highlighted the most valued attributes of wealth managers from the perspective of both Charterholders and their clients. Dannhausser discussed creating transparency and a relationship based on trust, ultimately resulting in a positive societal impact.

Christian Newton, from Dimensional Funds Advisors, engaged attendees by inviting them to participate in exercises that demonstrate how the brain can subconsciously affect financial decision making. Newton comically drew on a quote from another individual with the same namesake, Isaac Newton, who said, “I can calculate the motion of heavenly bodies, but not the madness of people.” His discussion on rational economic decision making and behavioral finance attempted to outline the internal motivations that strengthen the accord of Wealth Managers and their clients.

Attorney Alfred Casella, from Murtha Cullina LLP, provided personal practice expertise from his estate administration in his seminar concerning Estate Planning Strategies.

Douglas Coté, chief market strategist at Voya Investment Management, closed out the sessions with his analysis of the forces currently driving the markets and strategies for effectively responding to market volatility. He also talked about trading costs, and the impact of market timing.

Following the seminars, attendees were invited to partake in an hour of social networking over refreshments to discuss their applications of ethical wealth management with their peers.

“We had a fantastic turnout this year, which really helped facilitate productive conversations and engagement from our members and potential members,” said Juliana Dalton, President-Elect of CFA Society Hartford. “Our goal is to provide insight that investors can use to improve their client relationships which ultimately benefits clients and our industry as a whole.”

CFA Institute is a worldwide organization of investment professionals that sets the standard for professional excellence and credentials. The organization is a champion of ethical behavior in investment markets and a respected source of knowledge in the global financial community. The organization’s aim is to create an environment where investors’ interests come first, markets function at their best, and economies grow. There are more than 150,000 CFA® charterholders worldwide in 165+ countries and regions. CFA Institute has eight offices worldwide and there are 151 local member societies. For more information, visit www.hartfordcfa.org or follow us on Twitter at @CFAInstitute and on Facebook.com/CFAInstitute.