A brief introduction: Hello Everyone! My name is Brian. I have been in portfolio management for institutions and high net worth investors for 15 years. My career in finance started at a brokerage firm. After the financial crisis of 2008 -2009, it has morphed into fiduciary and trust investment management for high net-worth individuals and institutions.

Why did I take up the FDP challenge? I pursued the FDP designation because the intersection of data and finance is significant and fascinating. Understanding the output and application of the two is even more critical. The FDP Charter program made me think in new ways, outside of the traditional linear approach to asset allocation and portfolio management. With every aspect of financial, economic, and social constructs intertwined, it is vital to understand how to gather and interpret the connected data in these areas. The FDP curriculum gave me the knowledge to interpret this data and ultimately apply and act upon it.

What is great about FDP: The curriculum got me to think in new ways, look at problems differently, and ultimately evaluate asset allocation differently. The combination of up-to-date research, knowledge, and in-depth thinking was effective. The FDP curriculum gave me access to cutting-edge research and applications in portfolio and data management/analysis. The FDP designation made me step out of my comfort zone by learning how to assess data in new ways (Python vs Excel, non-linear regression, machine learning models, etc.).

My advice for aspiring industry professionals:

Keep learning, especially concepts that are outside of your comfort zone!

About Brian Murello

Brian is a Senior Vice President, Portfolio Manager at Huntington Bancshares. He volunteers within the industry by training junior analysts. He holds two BS degrees and an MBA. He also holds the CIMA, CAIA, CIPM, FDP, CMT, CTFA & CPWA designations.