A brief introduction: Hello Everyone! My name is Owen. I am an Associate Investment Advisor with BMO Nesbitt Burns in Alberta, Canada. I have over 12 years’ experience in the wealth management industry specializing in equity research and options and derivatives strategies. I spent my early career at a discount brokerage firm learning about stock markets and the volatility of human emotions in bull and bear markets. I spent the next 9 years at a major Canadian private wealth management firm learning about client service, options trading, and portfolio management. I am currently pursuing my goal to become a fully licensed portfolio manager at BMO Nesbitt Burns.

Why did I take up the FDP challenge? I pursued the FDP designation because the future of the investment industry will be shaped by new innovations in technology such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and big data. Being a traditional investor using fundamental analysis and data may not be sufficient in the future. I must learn how to incorporate new alternative datasets, new technologies with traditional datasets to be successful in the future. Achieving the FDP designation is my way of showing my peers in the industry that I believe technological innovation will shape the future of our industry.

What is great about FDP: The knowledge I obtained from FDP’s curriculum helps me understand the latest technological changes in the investment industry. Artificial intelligence, machine learning, and big data are still relatively new concepts in our ever-evolving industry. I am motivated to learn more about how new technologies are helping us make increasingly effective and efficient investment decisions.

As one of the few FDP charter holders in my city, I believe my unique understanding of the concepts of artificial intelligence, machine learning and big data along with my experience in traditional and alternative investments will ultimately open doors to unique opportunities that may not have been available to me in the past.

The greatest value of being a part of the FDP community is sharing new ideas amongst peers. FDP charterholders and candidates come from diverse backgrounds and various countries, therefore the FDP community may come up with unique solutions to tackle the investment challenges of tomorrow.

My advice for aspiring industry professionals: Finance is a fast-paced, ever-changing industry. To remain competitive, you must work hard every single day! Client relationship management is the key to success in the wealth management industry therefore be sure to practice excellent communication skills and be solutions oriented. Also, never stop learning about the industry. Continuously increase your knowledge of investments by pursuing leading industry certifications such as the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) and Financial Data Professional (FDP) designations.

About Owen Lee

Owen is currently an Associate Investment Advisor at BMO Nesbitt Burns in Canada. His role includes co-managing over $320 million of clients ‘assets with the lead portfolio manager, conducting in-depth equity research, advising clients on investment and retirement plans as well as engaging with prospective clients for the wealth advisory team. Owen received his Bachelor of Commerce in Finance from the University of Alberta. He also holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA), Derivatives Market Specialist (DMS) from the Canadian Securities Institute, and the Financial Data Professional (FDP) designations.