How Finance Can be a Force for Good in Society: One Investment Manager’s Perspective

Since the launch of the Future of Finance initiative, CFA Institute has sought to empower the world of finance to create an environment in which investor interests come first, markets function at their best, and economies grow. Local CFA Institute societies and CFA Institute members have played a critical role in this global effort to shape a trustworthy, forward-thinking financial industry that better serves society.

For Ranji Nagaswami, CFA, a 30-year veteran of the investment management industry, this focus comes naturally. After leaving the private sector, she helped to manage New York City’s $120 billion employee retirement system in Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s administration. She saw her role evolve from a successful investment management professional to someone who also wanted to “build something that would endure.” Her involvement in the Henry Crown Fellowship Program at the Aspen Institute — which seeks to develop the next generation of community-spirited leaders — reinforced those beliefs: “Are you going to be an active, engaged leader in society, or are you going to be a bystander, so absorbed in building your company, that you don’t find the time or the impetus to engage in society?”

In a recent interview, Nagaswami, a senior adviser and operating partner at Corsair Capital, discussed why she helped launch the Aspen Institute Finance Leaders Fellowship Program, with support from CFA Institute, and the need for enlightened leaders in finance.

How the actions of a few have created negative outcomes and disenfranchised many in society from the finance industry.

The finance industry needs enlightened leaders who can nudge innovations in the industry toward problem solving that helps society.

What is the role of investment managers in making finance a force for good?

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