My typical day as the Lead Investments Analyst at Cytonn Investments starts off with a peek around the dailies to keep up with current on-goings, both local and global, which might shape the Investments space. I thereafter lay my to-do list for the day, which ranges from various meetings on the performance of the company’s products, reviewing and ensuring that financial models used for investment decisions are accurate, as well as tracking the portfolios of the company’s key offerings. Cytonn Investments also produces the most in-depth weekly report delivered to clients on Sundays and has to be worked on during the week.
Working in an environment where investments decisions are based on your recommendations, for you to succeed in the role, you must be highly analytical, have a facts-based approach to tasks, possess high-level attention to detail, be good with numbers and have the ability to synthesize a lot of information quickly. Additionally, this role demands constant reading to expand one’s knowledge on a daily basis as it's never enough at any one given time.
I’m an Aeronautical Engineer, having studied Aeronautical Engineering at the Technical University of Kenya. I’m currently pursuing a professional qualification in CFA.
I’m very proud to say I began my professional career here at Cytonn Investments, having joined as an Investments Analyst Intern, then gradually climbing the ladder. Previously, I had only worked as an Aircraft Maintenance Intern at ALS Ltd, Wilson Airport, during my campus industrial attachment.
The fact that Cytonn took a chance on an Aeronautical Engineer with only passion and will for Investments is an embodiment of the organization's virtues and practices of giving everyone a chance and a platform to make a difference.
I would say hard work, the ability to get work done and not stopping till you get a solution to any challenge faced sets me apart. Challenges will always be there in life, what matters is how we solve them and learn from them. Also, being very flexible to learning completely new things and new approaches to solving tasks is critical
Even as an undergrad student in Engineering, I had an eye for Finance and Investments. I took part in several University Stock Market trading Contests where we held dummy accounts and did our trading. I also ventured into forex trading, which I wasn’t very successful at, to be honest. One thing that stands out about the Investments Industry is its timelessness. On a daily basis, everyone is seeking an avenue to grow their money or make an investment that will earn them passive income. To be in a position to provide that is a key driver for me
I don’t think anything beats the satisfaction of seeing the company’s products do well, especially the Cytonn Money Market Fund, which is the highest-yielding money market fund in the market. Additionally, hearing friends and clients comment on how effective and efficient the product is, is a huge plus. I also work with a hugely dedicated team who make it very easy to navigate the demands of the role.
My advice to anyone looking to join the Cytonn Family is, If you are looking for a place where you will grow holistically, look no further. Be ready to put in the required effort and will to learn, and have a strong belief that the rest will fall into place.