Member story: Tunmise Oyedepo, Investment Analyst, MBC Securities Ltd

1. Describe your career path to date.

I started my career as a research intern with Okims Investment, a business consulting firm in Lagos, Nigeria. This was shortly after I obtained my B.Sc. Economics, graduating in the top 5% of my class. I later joined MBC Securities Ltd (a boutique investment firm) in early 2019 as an investment analyst. In a further drive to develop my career, I will be joining one of the top five commercial banks in Nigeria in a few weeks' time.

2. You are studying with the ACT through the ACT bursary scheme. How did you find out about the scheme?

I was looking for a qualification that included cash management and treasury and the ACT qualifications came up in my google search. I was initially discouraged when I converted the registration and exam fee to my local currency but then I reached out to the ACT and was amazed by the immediate response I received with information about the bursary scheme. This has enabled me to be able to take the qualification and to develop my skills and learning. I would like to add that the ACT has been continuously supportive since that first day. 

3. The bursary scheme is available to potential students in developing countries – full information is available at ACT Learning. What would you say to anyone thinking about applying for a bursary?

If you think the qualification will help you, then go for it. But be truthful in your application. I would also say to seek assistance from the ACT team if you have any questions, both before you apply and when you are studying as they are really helpful.

4. You recently completed the Certificate in Treasury Fundamentals. How do you think this will help you in your current role?

The corporate finance part of the CertTF curriculum has greatly supported me in my current role as an analyst in a boutique investment firm, while the treasury management aspects have prepared me well for my next move in commercial banking which is due to commence in few weeks.

5. In the current COVID-19 climate, what have been the key things that your team have been focusing on?

The situation has shifted our attention to how we can leverage technology in our service delivery. We are currently making huge investment in ICT to make our business more Fintech friendly with less physical interactions with our clients and counter parties.

6. How has working from home under the current pandemic affected your team?

Our company is just in its transition phase to better virtual platforms and while we have been putting these in place productivity has been reduced but this is understandable and once all the platforms are in place it will be 'business as usual'. The positives are that the situation has exposed us to flexible ways of handling office engagement. I had never done a meeting on Zoom or Microsoft teams before but now this is the norm. On a personal note, I have also been able to convert the office commuting time into practical time for myself, either with daily exercise and personal development.

7. What has been the best project you have worked on and why?

Recovery of unclaimed dividends and lost investment for an aged client. The smile on his face after the recovery still melts my heart.

8. What has been the best piece of advice you have ever been given?

Be true to yourself.

9. What book are you reading at the moment?

Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell.

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

Objective, conscientious and tenacious.