CFA Society India Hosts Howard Marks at Mumbai

Business Wire India

CFA Society India recently hosted Howard Marks, Co-Chairman of Oaktree Capital Management, L.P. (“Oaktree”), at a highly anticipated event held at the Jio Convention Centre in Mumbai. The session drew over 650 investment professionals, charterholders, candidates, asset owners, and esteemed guests, marking a significant gathering for the Indian financial community.

The event titled, “The Most Important Thing: Uncommon Sense for the Thoughtful Investor - A Dialogue with Howard Marks”, provided attendees with invaluable insights from one of the world's foremost investment minds. Marks, known for his best-selling books and widely read memos, shared his perspectives on investment philosophy, market cycles, and the importance of disciplined decision-making. The session was moderated by Venkat Ramaswamy, Managing Director and CEO of EAAA India Alternatives Limited, fostering an engaging and insightful discussion.

Marks emphasized the need to understand where the market is in its cycle to make informed investment decisions. He highlighted that there are times when the investment environment is ripe with opportunities and times when opportunities are few and the risk high. He also shared the story of Oaktree, from its founding in 1995, to its current status as a leading global investment firm managing over $200 billion in assets. He further emphasized the importance of shared values, a codified business philosophy and luck, in building a successful franchise.

Marks discussed the origins of his famous memos, noting that they began organically as a way to share his thoughts and insights with others, and the widespread recognition his memos received was unexpected but greatly appreciated. He also acknowledged the role of randomness and a bit of luck in investment success, a theme he has explored extensively in his writings.

Rajesh Sehgal, CFA, Chairperson CFA Society India and Managing Partner Equanimity Investments, added, "Howard has a way with words, and the ease with which he explains his views on complicated issues is truly amazing. Listening to him was time well spent. Now we know we’re not in bubble territory, even though we are clearly in the optimistic zone."

Shamit Chokshi, CFA, (Director CFA Society India & Global Asset Management expert) introduced the session quoting from his book, “Being too far ahead of your time is indistinguishable from being wrong,” something Howard reiterated few times in his address.

Arati Porwal, Country Head – India, CFA Institute, commented, “The dialogue hosted by CFA Society India and CFA Institute, with Howard Marks was truly exceptional, offering our members and the wider financial community a unique opportunity to learn from one of the most respected voices within the global investment industry. His perspectives are life lessons as much as they are about investing. Him being a CFA charterholder and a fellow member of our global community of investment management professionals, gives us immense pride in welcoming him and hearing his perspectives.”

About CFA Society India

CFA Society India is registered as Indian Association of Investment Professionals under Section 8 of the 2013 Companies Act. With more than 2,300 members spread all across India, it is one of the premier societies belonging to CFA Institute. The membership base consists of portfolio managers, investment consultants, and other financial experts. As one of the over 160 CFA Institute member societies of the CFA Institute, CFA Society India links its regional members to a globally interconnected network of investment professionals. For more information, visit www.cfasocietyindia.org or follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter at @CFASocietyIndia

*CFA Society India is a registered trademark of CFA Institute licensed to be used by the Indian Association of Investment Professionals.

About CFA Institute

As the global association of investment professionals, CFA Institute sets the standard for professional excellence and credentials. We champion ethical behaviour in investment markets and serve as the leading source of learning and research for the investment industry. We believe in fostering an environment where investors’ interests come first, markets function at their best, and economies grow. With more than 200,000 charterholders worldwide across 160 markets, CFA Institute has 10 offices and 160 local societies. Find us at www.cfainstitute.org or follow us on LinkedIn and X at @CFAInstitute.