Candidacy Statement Submission – CFA Society Emirates Board Election 2025
When I first volunteered for CFA Society Emirates seven years ago, as a project manager for the CFA Institute Research Challenge, I discovered the spark that still drives me today: helping talented students translate classroom theories into real-world impact. Watching them evolve from uncertain undergraduates into confident analysts showed me the power our Society holds to shape careers – and, ultimately, the future of finance in the UAE.
Who I Am
Director – Client Advisor & Trader at Lighthouse Canton, managing USD 250MM with a focus on FX, macro, and derivative solutions for quasi sovereign institutions and family offices.
Handling agile, cross-asset mandates for institutional clients has sharpened my ability to quickly analyze complex situations, pinpoint overlooked opportunities and turn strategy into results – the same skillset I intend to use on the Board to identify learning gaps, craft high-impact career programs, and deliver tangible value to our members.
I am a CFA & CAIA charterholder and have earned my BSc (Finance) from the American University of Sharjah.
Why I’m Running
Our membership base is getting younger, AI / Tech is rewriting job skill requirements, and the UAE is positioning itself as a regional talent magnet – presenting both opportunities and challenges. I’m running to build upon my 7-year journey with the society and help it seize this moment – so every charterholder, candidate, and student can say, “CFA Society Emirates gave me my edge.”
Focus Areas & Key Projects
- Future Leaders Accelerator – Scale the Research Challenge model into a six-month AI-and-modelling bootcamp that pairs candidates with seasoned mentors and culminates in employer-led interview days.
- Funding & Opportunity Pipeline – Convert the society’s network across financial institutions, government entities, and regulators into exam-fee scholarships, event sponsorships, guaranteed internship seats, and exclusive recruiter days – so talent meets real vacancies.
- Peer Buddy & Mentorship Ladder – Establish a three-tier system where senior charterholders mentor early-career members, who in turn guide candidates and students; structured onboarding and quarterly check-ins convert Society knowledge into continuous career support and stronger member retention.
- Accountability Through KPIs – Publish clear metrics for every initiative – placements, scholarships awarded, CPD credits earned – so members see tangible results, and the Society remains transparently accountable.
I would be honoured to earn your support and turn these commitments into lasting progress for current and future members.
Mark Gadalla, CFA, CAIA
