On April 2nd, the Macquarie University Applied Finance Society, in collaboration with CFA Society Australia, proudly hosted Chartered for Success: CFA Insights Night — a panel event featuring CFA Charterholders from diverse fields including Asset Management, M&A, ESG Investing, and Real Estate Investment.

The evening began with a welcome from AFS President Gov, followed by a keynote presentation by Frank Li, CFA, who shared valuable perspectives on the CFA Program and its relevance in today’s dynamic financial landscape. The panel discussion explored the career journeys of each speaker, highlighting their experiences, challenges, and the continuous development of both technical and soft skills.

Students gained not only an in-depth understanding of the CFA designation and its specialized certifications, but also practical insights into navigating a career in finance — from the importance of adaptability and lifelong learning to the power of mentorship and a resilient mindset.

The evening concluded with a networking session, offering attendees the chance to connect directly with industry professionals and receive valuable guidance.

The Applied Finance Society extends its sincere thanks to CFA Society Australia and our guest speakers — Lyn Ling, CFA; Alex Lau, CFA, CAIA; Frank Li, CFA; Samantha Feeley, CFA; and Steve Madden, CFA — for their time, stories, and inspiration.

We also thank all students who joined us for the night and made it a memorable success.