Member story: Anthony Naab, Investment Advisor, Standard Chartered Bank

1. Tell us about your career to date.

I began my career as a Graduate Associate within the International Graduate Programme of Standard Chartered Bank. It consisted of undertaking a rigorous rotation cycle within the Wealth Management Stream of the Bank in my country, Ghana, and taking a few professional courses along the way. I have been recently deployed as an Investment Advisor within the same team in the Bank.

2. What has been the most interesting project you have been involved in and why?

I have had the chance to represent my country on a regional team within the bank to reduce end to end turnaround time of investment purchase applications. It has been interesting as I have had to track the process at each node and identify the bottlenecks at each stage. The ideas shared over regional calls and the opportunity to interact with all relevant stakeholders in the process have been worthwhile.

3. You received the Bursary Student of the Year Award in 2019. Why did you decide to apply for an ACT bursary?

I applied for the bursary when I was in the middle of finishing my mandatory National Service and needed something extra to boost my career prospects. My search for options led me to the ACT page where I read about the association, its activities and the examination. The exams seemed like a welcome challenge for me to keep busy and the bursary opportunity was the final conviction that it was a journey worth taking especially when I could not afford the exams. No regrets so far and I am honoured to have received this award. 

4. How has the information you have learned through your studies helped you in your career?

As an Investment Advisor, I am, daily, faced with a plethora of questions from my clients on finance. My experience with the ACT exams through the CertTF and CertT has helped me deliver value to my clients as I am able to engage them from a broader finance base while being mindful of my responsibility to act responsibly and honestly as I am a member of professional organisation with values.

5. Who is your business hero?

Warren Buffett, for his business acumen and his ability to see light when others see darkness.

6. What gadget could you not do without and why?

I don’t know what I would do without my phone. It literally controls my life. Sometimes I forget I wear a watch and refer to my phone for the time!

7. What book are you reading at the moment?

I am currently reading Jewish Wisdom for Business Success by Levi Brackman. A very interesting read.

8. What three words would you use to describe yourself?

Positive, Determined, Entertaining.

9. What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?

See the good in every situation and in every person, for the rough times are designed to make your success story awesome.

10. It is the ACT 40th anniversary. What is your birthday message for the ACT.

Happy 40th anniversary to the ACT. Life they say begins at 40, and I believe this should be the dawn of an era to spread your knowledge and authority and be known as the world’s foremost association for corporate treasurers. As you begin a new phase, may you continue to challenge your members intellectually and cause them to be change agents in the industry.