Why Semiconductors? AI, Nvidia and Geopolitics

Artificial intelligence has been the most important investment topic this decade, and the key enabler of the AI boom has been the semiconductor industry.

Semiconductor companies are at the core of a half a trillion-dollar industry that enables us to do pretty much everything, from flying across oceans to booking a ride and ordering a pizza when we get there; from supporting the military to powering our cities. Without semiconductors, the modern economy would come to a screeching halt.

For these reasons, semiconductors have become the most geopolitically sensitive industry on the planet.

With semiconductors forming the backbone of the AI Infrastructure, Jon Bathgate of NZS Capital, will do a deep dive into semiconductors, providing a map to the industry, and how to navigate it in an increasingly geopolitically divergent world.

Format: Online

Audience: Member, Non-member

Speaker(s):

Jon Bathgate, CFA, Investor, NZS Capital, LLC

SYDNEY: Investment Communication Workshop

We are excited to announce that Brenda Wilson Wood, an esteemed US-based investment communication expert from T. Rowe Price, will be visiting Sydney. With a wealth of experience in helping analysts and portfolio managers (PMs) effectively communicate their investment ideas, Brenda will be conducting an exclusive workshop for our members.

This interactive session is designed to enhance the investment communication skills of analysts, particularly in writing compelling investment notes that capture the attention of portfolio managers and investors. Participants will work through a stock example to learn how to clearly present the case for buying or selling it.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• Understanding the elements of effective investment communication.
• Analysing real investment notes/data to identify strengths and weaknesses.
• Learning best practices for writing persuasive and impactful notes.
• Gaining practical insights through hands-on exercises with real stock examples.

Format: In person

Audience: Member

Speaker(s):

Brenda Wood, CFA, Investment Communication Consultant – Fixed Income & Equity Division, T. Rowe Price

Cassandra Crowe, CFA, GAICD, Vice President | Head of of Consultants Australia and New Zealand, T. Rowe Price

Your Finance Journey Starts with the CFA Program

Join us for our CFA Program Information Session with CFA Institute’s David Sanders, CFA, Senior Director, Practice Analysis and Janice Hon, Associate Manager in our insightful webinar to learn more about the CFA Program and what the CFA charter could mean for your career as you shape your future.

Are you ready to invest in yourself? CFA Program candidates send a clear signal to employers that they are committed to the finance and investment industry. And you can now enrol in the CFA Program earlier than ever before—up to two years from your graduation month if you’re pursuing an undergraduate degree.

Format: Online

Audience: Member, Non-member, University students

Speaker(s):

David Sanders, Senior Director, Practice Analysis, CFA Institute

Janice Hon, Associate Manager, Partnerships and Client Solutions, APAC, CFA Institute

MELBOURNE: Women in Leadership Series – Felicity Walsh’s Journey to Success

Join us for an inspiring session with Felicity Walsh, Managing Director of Franklin Templeton Australia Limited. Felicity will take us through her remarkable career journey, starting from her roots as an actuary to becoming an integral part of a dynamic Alternatives investment team and eventually leading the Australian division of one of the world’s largest asset managers.

Gain valuable insights and inspiration as Felicity shares her experiences and offers her advice on what it takes to build a successful and fulfilling career in investment management.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn from an experienced industry leader!

* Please note this event will only be open to female members & candidates.

Format: In person

Audience: Member, Candidate

Speaker(s):

Felicity Walsh, Managing Director – Australia and New Zealand, Franklin Templeton Australia Limited

Johanna Nelson, GAICD

Using the Power of Storytelling in Presentations

This workshop looks at the challenges of delivering presentations which will engage your audience within the financial sector. Using real examples of financial presentations, it will look at typical traps we fall into.

In the financial sector we are surrounded by data, metrics and analysis. Being able to gather this information into a coherent story has been identified as one of the most important skills to enable progression to the most senior positions.

This workshop will explain how to use storytelling techniques to make your presentation come to life. Whether you are trying to pitch to a client, persuade your board to back your project or make complex concepts such as ethics come to life, storytelling techniques will help you make your audience sit up and listen.

Format: Online

Audience: Member, Non-member

Speaker(s):

Nick Bird, MSB Executive

CFA Program Welcome and Orientation

Congratulations on enrolling in the CFA Program!

Join us for a virtual Welcome Orientation hosted by CFA Society Australia.

Embarking on the journey of CFA Exams might seem overwhelming and our orientation aims to ease your transition. Get acquainted with the CFA Program, understand the exam structure, meet our dedicated volunteers and explore the diverse events hosted by CFA Society Australia. This session also offers a platform to address any queries you may have.

Discover that the CFA Program is more than just exams; it’s a vibrant community waiting to welcome you. Forge connections with fellow Level I Candidates and delve into the opportunities within the CFA community.

Don’t miss this chance to kickstart your CFA journey with knowledge and camaraderie!

MELBOURNE: VIC Chapter Quarterly Social Drinks

The Victorian Chapter invites you to join us for an evening of social drinks and networking. This event offers the perfect opportunity to expand your professional network in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

We also extend a warm welcome to our newest CFA Society members. Your presence will contribute to making them feel part of our dynamic network, ensuring everyone benefits from shared insights and experiences.

We look forward to seeing you there!

MELBOURNE: Post-Exam Candidate Networking Mixer

Join us at the Post-Exam Candidate Networking Mixer, where CFA Program candidates are invited to come together and celebrate their accomplishments.

Mix and mingle with fellow CFA Program participants in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, where knowledge exchange and enjoyable interactions are encouraged.

Enjoy beverages and appetizers included in the ticket price.

*Plus, every attendee will automatically be entered into a raffle, with one lucky individual winning a CFA Society Australia CFA Program Candidate Membership, valid until June 30, 2025.

Please note that this event is exclusively for active CFA Program enrollees.

We can’t wait to welcome you and celebrate your achievements together!

SYDNEY: NSW Chapter Quarterly Social Drinks

Join us for our quarterly social drinks and networking! It’s the perfect opportunity to meet new people and grow your network in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

We also extend a warm welcome to our newest CFA Society members.

We hope to see you there!

BRISBANE: Annual Forecasting, Macro Outlook, Volunteer of the Year Award + Social & Networking

Join us for an insightful evening as the Queensland Chapter celebrates its Annual Forecasting Evening.

The global economy continues to face significant challenges. Advanced economies are shifting toward slower growth, inflation remains disappointingly high, and central banks are finding it difficult to exit from their restrictive policy settings. Geopolitical tensions also persist, with the upcoming US election likely to contribute to the uncertain global outlook. Guest speaker, Principal Economist Trent Saunders from Queensland Treasury Corporation, will discuss how these challenges may play out and what this could mean for the outlook for interest rates.

We will also announce last year’s forecasting winners and give you the chance to enter this year’s predictions. If you made a prediction last year, don’t miss this event to find out if you’re the winner!

Don’t miss this exceptional opportunity to enhance your understanding of economic forecasting and connect with members and candidates over drinks and canapés after the event.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Format: In person

Audience: Member, Non-member

Speaker(s):

Trent Saunders, Principal Economist, Queensland Treasury Corporation