Candidacy Statement Submission – CFA Society Emirates Board Election 2025
A brief introduction about yourself
I, Mehvish Ayub, have over 20 years of experience in asset allocation, portfolio management, manager selection and ESG. I was in London for 15 years in investment banking and asset management and moved to the UAE in 2019. I hold a first-class degree from LSE, am CFA qualified since 2012 and completed the CFA ESG certificate in 2023.
I am driven by a passion to help individuals and institutions to invest in line with their long-term financial and sustainability goals such that the industry can achieve net zero ambitions. I am an advocate of D&I, active in mentoring, education and media representation.
Your reasons for running for the Board
As a board member I hope to provide opportunities for members to enhance their knowledge of the finance industry, from a technical and holistic perspective. I can do this by sharing whatever access and knowledge I have gathered over my career.
What you hope to contribute to the Society
I have been a volunteer with the society since I moved to the region, and as such was a panellist at the 2022 CFA annual forecast dinner and moderated the 2023 CFA Gala dinner. I have also helped to set up the women’s club and arrange women focused events for the society to promote D&I initiatives. I hope to continue this important work to arrange insightful and unique events for our members on financial knowledge and how to have a more equitable workforce.
Any areas of focus or new initiatives you plan to champion if elected
I plan to focus on both the women’s club and the ESG sleeve of the society; whilst contributing to broader strategy and direction. The region is well positioned to be a leader in sustainable finance, the breadth of membership and partnerships the society has forged over the past years provide valuable opportunities for meaningful connections in this space. The reach of the society to promote financial literacy, governance and ethics is something I am excited to be part of.
